Devotional - May 21, 2025
Scripture: 2 Kings 2: 9-13 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” As they were walking along and talking together, 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. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.
No, we don’t like to think about it, but as the saying goes, on that good gettin up morning..., we too shall pass. We spend our life trying to create and recreate our persona, but in the end, people will think as they like. They will come to their own conclusions. Look at the many biographies you see written about the famous. They all say different things. Maybe a person's life or persona is like beauty, all in the eyes of the beholder. But, a legacy we will leave, like it or not. And, like it or not, it will affect others. As we go on to judgement (Mt 12:36-37, Hebrews 9:27-28 ), others will be left with what we leave behind. Elijah's successor is about to take the mantle, literally, from him and carry on. Hopefully, he listened to Elijah. If he did, he realized his future would not be one of ease. Elisha wanted to have the power, actually twice the power, that Elijah did. Elijah's response may be a bit surprising. Elijah learned that with great power, came great responsibility (Luke 12:48). God does not give great power to someone, so they can weld it over those with less. No, God gives great power to someone to accomplish great endeavors. The hard stuff, or as Elijah put's it, "you ask for a difficult thing." Elijah's calling put him through the wringer. Elisha just saw the fire and victory, not the running and anguish. In the end, Elisha will see it all. And, he is ready for it. Elijah has taught him well. Rather than conjuring up great fantasies about our legacy, why not leave one of substance. Leave one that will help future generations in their endeavors in life. Folks will tell your tale however they like, but the good work you've done will endure and be appreciated. I especially like the way Elijah departs, it's selfless. He doesn't spend his time telling Elsha what to do. He doesn't dwell on himself, as he may have done earlier in his life. No, he instead says, "tell me, what can I do for you..." There in the face of a battle-hardened prophet are the eyes of a loving father. Elisha even calls out to him as such as he was carried away. Folks, if living this Christian life does not give you a loving heart, there is something wrong. Elijah cares about Elisha's welfare after he is gone. Elijah hopes that Elisha's life will far outshine his own, and he readied him for it, so he could receive it. Let us do the same.
Pray with me..., Holy God, we know our times are in Your hands. Let us make the best of it ...with You and with others. May the blessing and gifts You gave us carry on to those who come after us. We take a moment and lift them to You. We ask Your blessing upon those we love, family and friends. We ask Your blessing on our church and it's leadership. May we be the people You call us to be, in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
