2
Kings, chapter 2 is an example of “passing the mantle” to the
next generation. With or without intent, at our death, each of us
will pass on an inheritance to those that follow. Sometimes it is
material wealth, sometimes it is a personality trait, but often it is
a spiritual heritage. Unlike material wealth, spiritual wealth is
unlimited and can be shared in abundance with many heirs. As the
chapter begins, it seems that Elijah, Elisha (I just always remember
‘J’ comes before ‘S’ in the alphabet) and the prophets of
God, know, “The
Lord
was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind“.
This was a one-time event and we are not told any more information.
As is often the case when someone passes on, we can’t answer the
“why” question, but we trust God has a bigger purpose. Three
times Elijah told Elisha, “Stay
here; the Lord has called me to… Bethel… Jericho… Jordan”
And three times Elisha replied, “I
will not leave you“.
This is a sincere loving devotion, and a good reminder to us, if you
follow someone’s lead; be sure you want to end up where they are
going.
The
two prophets end up at the Jordan River. “Elijah
took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water
divided… and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.”
At this point, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell
me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
The younger man answered without hesitation, “Let
me inherit a double portion of your spirit“.
This is not a request driven by greed, but respect. According to
the law, the first born son was to receive a double portion of his
father’s inheritance. It was a position of honor. I have had many
mentors in my life that have modeled behavior, but there is only one
man that led me through the process of asking Jesus Christ to be my
Savior. Next we read of the dramatic, supernatural exit of Elijah.
“Suddenly
a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two
of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind… And Elisha
saw him no more… He picked up the cloak that had fallen from
Elijah“.
There was a willful action involved in picking up the mantle.
Salvation is a gift; but we are not forced to accept it. Once he
picked up the cloak, he imitated the actions of his ‘father’.
Elisha “took
the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it“.
Reminding us that taking a step of faith is hard, the prophet asked,
“Where
now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?“.
But God is faithful. Again the water parted and he crossed back
over the Jordan. The people noted,
“The
spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha“.
Like it or not, we tend to resemble our father!
Later
in the chapter, men of the city came to Elisha for help, “this
town is well situated, as you can see, but the water is bad and the
land is unproductive“.
The prophet replied, this is what the Lord says: “I
have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the
land unproductive“.
And we are told, “The
water has remained wholesome to this day, according to the word
Elisha had spoken“.
The ministry of Jesus was one of reconciliation and healing. When
He ascended into heaven He too left a “mantle” for His followers:
“But
the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have
said to you”
(John
14:26).
If you or those around you are in need of healing, receive His
Spirit. It will require a step of faith, but God is faithful!