Then it came about as they were going along and talking, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven.
II Kings 2:11
This week we will behold some pretty spectacular sights. The last leg of our journey with Elijah is filled with memorable moments. Last week we saw what fatigue and a sense of loneliness can do to even the strongest man of God. But Elijah’s encounter with God’s presence obviously re-energized him with the strength he needed to finish his task. Elijah doesn’t hesitate to confront King Ahaziah with the word of the Lord when he sends to inquire of Baal-zebub about his future. King Ahaziah is another king who doesn’t appreciate God's words and orders Elijah's arrest and is met with the fire of the Almighty. You’d think some people would learn by others mistakes, but unfortunately too many individuals are bent on making their own!!!
There is soooooooo much that could be said about Elijah’s trip into eternity. If Elisha and the sons of the prophets knew he was walking the last steps of his journey on this earth, you can be sure Elijah knew it as well. Elijah’s test of Elisha is one we would be wise to carefully consider. In a round about way, he was testing Elisha’s resolve. “Will you go with me all the way, or will you look for the easy way?” Since Elijah said, “Stay here, for the Lord has sent me to …..,” Elisha could easily have justified his reasons for staying behind. After all, didn’t Elijah tell him to? We saw Naomi use this same technique with Ruth! Unfortunately, some people will grab on to any excuse to ease their journey. For some, it doesn’t take much for them to excuse themselves from going to church, or to Bible study, or to any other gathering of the saints. Only if Elisha was there till the last moment, would he see his heart’s desire fulfilled! Elisha continued to learn right up till the last moment. He may have experienced Elijah’s anointing, he may have been momentarily wrapped in his mantle, but Elisha understood that these were merely the experiences of his call, not the fulfillment of his ministry. Only a continuous walk with a teachable heart would prepare him to walk in Elijah’s footsteps.
Even after Elijah was taken, Elisha understood that an experience and a mantle were not enough if he didn’t have the God of Elijah! And he was quick to learn that even those who know the word and the works of God find it difficult to embrace change! The sons of the prophets struggled with embracing Elisha’s new status. After all, wasn’t he a son of the prophet just like them? Elisha understood that sometimes you have to let people discover the truth for themselves and he permitted them to go and search for Elijah, knowing that they wouldn’t find him. He also realized that their accusations of him being self-ambitious would only be laid to rest if they knew Elijah was truly gone.
As we experience our adventures with Elisha, we quickly discern that truly he is walking under the same anointing and authority as Elijah. He has learned well from his predecessor. The same fire of God is at his disposal. The same healing power is working through him. The same discernment guides his steps. We also see that Elisha had the same place of authority in the life of the king. It’s one thing to prophecy; it’s another to be called to be God’s spokesman to the king! And just as Ahab blamed Elisha for the woes of the nation, Elisha becomes the king’s target of blame for the miserable state of the nation. It always amazes me that people who are bent on sinning tend to blame their miseries on everyone else but themselves. It reminds me of a pastor I know who was having an ongoing affair for two years and refused to quit seeing the woman. His wife contacted me for counsel, wanting to know what God’s Word required of her. After the divorce was final, her husband sent me a message saying, “Thank Shirley for ruining my life!” Yep, some things never change!!! It is so much easier to blame the messenger than to deal with sin before God!
At the end of the week, we watch as Jezebel is thrown to her death. Unfortunately, her wicked influence outlives her! Between Jeroboam’s introduction of the golden calves and Jezebel’s propagation of Baalism, the nation continues on a downward spiral. Their rejection of God and His ways shows how ignorant they were. They may have forgotten their covenant with God, but God hadn’t forgotten His covenant with them. As we continue our journey, we will see this covenant-keeping God in action. Let’s continue to walk, watch and learn!
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