Allowing God to Lead

2 Kings 2:11-15

“11 As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. 12 Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.  13 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. 15 The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.” 

Elisha watched as his adopted Father, his master and Lord, Elijah, ascended in a whirlwind to heaven.  This was a sign that God had given Elisha a double share of Elijah’s spirit.

The chariot of fire and horses of fire were a symbol of God’s power, might and protection of Israel and were a message to Elisha as he began his ministry as Israel’s prophet. Elisha tore his clothes in grief, then picked up the mantle of Elijah.  

With the mantle he parted the waters of the Jordan as Elijah had done and crossed to the other side.  The 50 prophets waiting on the other side bowed down and recognized Elisha as God’s prophet.

I am sure that Elisha never forgot Elijah and always grieved over him.

But from our grief can come new purpose… if we allow God to lead us.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)