“When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.”
2 Kings 2:9-14 NLT
Elisha and Elijah had a curious relationship. It is clear that Elijah was a bit of a celebrity. The various prophets of the day were not only aware of him but kept tabs on what he was doing. All of them knew that this was his last day. Elisha was in a coveted position. Perhaps out of insecurity or perhaps from adoration, Elisha didn’t want to leave Elijah’s side, nor have it brought to his attention that everyone knew he would be taken. This is so much so the case that The Charioteer drove a wedge between the two which physically separated them. Afterwords Elisha’s immediate response was a testing of God’s power upon him. It is clear that he wasn’t sure if he had been left with the power he told Elijah he pursued. It is good for us to be direct about the things we wish to pursue. The story illustrates how men may ask for his providence but they can’t stop his will. Elisha could not make Elijah give him his desire, nor stop God from whisking Elijah away. The best we can do is ask in faith and receive with thankfulness.
JOSH McGARY. COM 