Today I read 2 Kings 2. This chapter contains two major sections – Elijah being taken up into heaven by God, and the beginning of Elisha’s solo ministry. Unfortunately, there’s far too much content to cover it all.
“…Elijah said… ‘Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.’ And Elisha said, ‘Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.’ And he said, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you…’ …behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, ‘My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ …Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him…” (v9-13 abr)
Elisha observes his mentor being taken up into heaven in a whirlwind, being escorted by chariots and horses of fire. His exclamation ” ‘My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ ” is essentially acknowledging that Israel’s/Judah’s protection comes not from the might of its human armies, but from God’s protective power (which includes the ministries of His prophets).
Elisha asks for a double-portion of Elijah’s (God’s) spirit upon himself. As his ministry unfolds, we see this definitely comes to pass. This chapter includes some examples such as parting a massive river, and cursing some young foolish men who mock God and His prophets (these men are then mauled/routed by some bears that God sends).
Another important note is Elisha has a decision to make – he can ignore the ministry of Elijah and walk away, or, pick up Elijah’s mantle (cloak) and put it on, accepting the full responsibility that entails (including the hardships). If Elisha had walked away, we may not even know his name, but he chose the ministry and all it entailed, becoming one of God’s most well-known prophets.
I encourage us to make the hard decision, and choose God over ‘a life of comfort’. We could easily coast through life with fewer problems and discomforts if we choose to ignore God’s ministry and calling in our lives; or, we can choose a life of adventure and reward beyond our imaginations, at the small cost of some comfort and ease. God’s ministry does involve hard work, immense faith, some discomfort and stress, yet the eternal rewards for us and those to whom we minister are beyond compare. I am choosing a life of ministry, knowing full well it comes with a price, but that cost pales in comparison to the potential eternal rewards for those who experience God through me (see Rm 8:12-25). The hard question is, what will you choose today?
Father God, our Glorious Lord and King, we praise Your magnificent and holy name. You have given us amazing opportunities to serve You, and we thank You for many more to come. Please help us to choose You over comfort every day of the week, and never fear for our protection. We can fully trust in heaven’s armies and Your eternal promises to see us through each day. In the holy and powerful name of Jesus we honor and glorify You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training