24/10/2023 - FAREWELL AT GOD’S DELIGHT

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Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.  2 Kings 2.14

Elijah’s rapture was announced by the Spirit of God to Elisha, confirmed to the sons of the prophets of Bethel, the inhabitants of Jericho and the 50 who followed them to the Jordan. They saw the glory of the Lord work wonders in Elijah’s transport, as it will when we are caught up to heaven. The Most High does everything as He pleases. No matter how hard the enemy tries to stop God’s actions, he will not succeed. God is perfect!

The taking of the prophet Elijah was a lesson to Elisha, for he had been told not to take his eyes off him, and it would bring him great blessing. We must look to Jesus and never look back, for this is how the Bible says: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

When the chariot of fire came down from Heaven, neither Elisha nor the prophet were hurt, because God showed Elijah’s apprentice that He had planned everything. Elijah was set apart to be raptured and to this day is in the presence of the Lord. Elisha was chosen to continue his master’s ministry. So, from that moment on, Elisha would continue that work of faith!

Elisha was thrilled and exclaimed, when he saw the chariot of fire: My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen! (2 Kings 2.12). They were separated in the blink of an eye. Nothing else mattered to the prophet’s successor, whom God had appointed when he spoke to Elijah in the cave on Mount Sinai. The deeds of the Lord speak for themselves, for they are perfect. The Most High will do the same for every person He calls to occupy His ministry. Surely, He will do so!

The promise made to Elisha would be fulfilled, but he needed to see his master ascend and he gave his full attention to this event. So, because he did not take his eyes off Elijah, Elisha received the double anointing to carry out a work full of authority and power. As for us, we can only preach the Gospel with the anointing to do the same works as Christ (John 14:12). We must look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, until the end of our days, for He will reward us!

The separation between the prophet and his disciple was a success. Neither of them were burned or injured. Elijah was raised to heaven, and Elisha to the position of his successor. We are the continuators of the work begun by the Son of God among us: The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen (Acts 1.1,2).

The new prophet received what he asked for, because he fulfilled the conditions required. Christ taught that we will have whatever we ask for: For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  (Matthew 7.8). The conditions are easy to follow, so believe and be happy!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares