The Spirit of Elijah Rests on Elisha, part 2 – Perception of the Miracle

II Kings 2: 8-12; 4 Kingdoms 2: 8-12

We last saw the two prophets walking on dry ground through the divided waters of the Jordan toward the eastern bank. As you recall, Elisha had refused all attempts to separate him from his master … “As the Lord lives …. I will not leave you”.

By this time, the aged prophet, Elijah, had become convinced that Elisha was fully committed to that calling by which the mantle had been laid upon him. He had followed attentively during the past years and had passed those tests on the journey from Gilgal to the Jordan. Now, when they had crossed the Jordan, Elijah invited one final request – a request which we , too, would do well to ponder. “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you” (vs.9).

For us, “What do I want from those who have gone before me … parents, teachers, priests, saints and yes, apostles, prophets – and Christ Himself? What do I need most to continue their work, to build on their labors, to fulfill their visions? What must I have to face the temptations, endure the hardships, confront the adversaries and stand against the evils that will surely come?”.

“Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (vs. 9). His answer came as he reflected on these past years with Elijah; he had seen the corruption of rulers, the complacency of people and the clamoring after other gods. He knew that he must stand alone many times, just as his teacher had. So, he mused within himself, “What do I want from this man before he leaves?”. Yes, a double portion of his spirit! That which had sustained Elijah through his struggles would also strengthen him through his.

Elijah’s “spirit” might be understood in two ways. It may certainly refer to the Spirit of God – the Holy Spirit – within him. As Christians, we know that the presence and power of the Holy Spirit are indispensable in living a life pleasing to the Lord. Through his ministry, Elijah gave evidence of the Spirit working within him and through him. The “spirit of Elijah” might also refer to the personal attributes such as character, virtue, will, motivation, courage, honesty, etc. which are God-given but also developed within each individual through experience, decision and discipline.

Clearly, Elijah’s spirit manifested both the blessed gift of God and the personal conduct of his life. In a word, then, Elisha said, “I want what God has given you and I want to be the man you are.” He asked for a double portion (the share of inheritance due the first-born son in a family) in order to carry on what Elijah had begun. Nothing less would be sufficient.

“You have asked a hard thing” (vs. 10), replied Elijah. He could not give what only God can give; he had done his best to share his life – mind, heart, and soul – with his disciple. Now, Elisha would have to accept the gift from God and apply the gifts from Elijah. So, with much love, one last condition was laid before him. “If you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you” (vs. 10). Having come this far, he must stay until the end. He had seen him in the trials here on earth; he must see what the final chapter will bring. The moment was at hand – would it be grievous or glorious; vicious or victorious? Whichever it would be, Elisha must be there to behold and perceive (understand) the miracle.

Mere words fail to adequately describe the miraculous transport of Elijah. The chariot of fire, the horses of fire, the mighty whirlwind shattered the silence and raced between the two men. And, just like that, the world was left without one of its greatest. 

As it happened, Elijah’s departure was both glorious and victorious. In the midst of the commotion, the stunned Elisha was surely overwhelmed. At the same time, it was a moment of grief and loss. Elisha was losing his beloved teacher, guide, strength and example. He would be left alone. Perhaps it took some time for him to understand that his master was being escorted into the presence of God. Meanwhile, he could only tear his clothes in grief and cry with a lament common in Israel when a loved one died or a battle had been lost: “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” (vs. 12). Later (Part III), we shall see his reward.

Granted, this was a dramatic and memorable event. But may we humbly remind ourselves that our God has, many times, provided miracles to draw the attention of His people and inspire them to greater things. Moses turned aside to see the unconsumed burning bush in the wilderness (Exodus 3: 1-12) and received the call of God that changed history. Isaiah looked up in the temple and saw the Lord (Isaiah 6:1-8) hearing the call to his great prophetic ministry. In a manner similar to Elisha’s, the Apostles understood that the one to replace Judas must be one who was there “until the day He (Jesus) was taken up from us.” (Acts 1:22).

Those miracles for us may appear to be small and we may even have overlooked them. A spoken word, a cry of need, a card of caring, a helping hand, a chance meeting … they all may bring an occasion to serve God, to exercise faith, to share His love, to impart healing. Perceiving the miracles that come our way could well be our opportunity for growth in Christ.

From this visit to the well, we may learn that no matter how strong the storms we face, nor how deep the waters, nor how steep the pathway, nor how painful the wounds in our lives, we Christians can always keep looking onward and upward. One day, the skies will be filled with angels and saints escorting our Lord – “coming for to carry us home”.

“Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20)

 Fr. Andrew