“When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven.., Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel…
“Elijah said to him, ‘Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they came to Jericho…
“Then Elijah said to him, ‘Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.’ But he said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So the two of them went on… Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.
“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘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 as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven…
“Then [Elisha] took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water… And the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over.” 2 Kings 2:1-2,4,6,8-9,11,14
The Lord had told his prophet he’d anoint Elisha his successor, and that time had come. Elijah’s final journeys lead tenacious Elisha to places that marked God’s hand: Bethel, beginning with God; Jericho, God’s breaking strongholds; and the Jordan, divine deliverance into blessed land. God would continue what had done and been for Elijah with His next prophet to Israel. Elisha desperately desired his mentor’s spirit, and gleaned all he could in preparation for God’s new season. (Genesis 12:1-8; Joshua 3:7-17; 6:15-20; 1 Kings 19:9-16)
Throughout life we’re confronted with impending loss. While some drastic changes come suddenly and force their own effects and instruction, many shifts are gradual and offer significant opportunity to learn and prepare. As we age, we experience varied adjustments: passing the baton of leadership, declining capabilities or health, diminishing control of circumstances and plans. We realize the Lord has been at the helm always, though we’re used to managing ourselves. To accept gracefully His endings is to entrust our time to His sovereignty and live out our days for His purposes.
We have seasons as recipients, accompanying older, wiser sojourners with Christ to learn from and follow. We have seasons of authority and influence, and moments of private instruction where we convey lessons and spiritual encouragement. Whom do we follow, and in whom are we investing, to prepare for His shifts? God ordains and uses all the years to enrich His kingdom.
How yielded are we to His divine timing? How seriously have we applied life’s Bethel, Jericho, and Jordan River lessons? Do we resist His changes, or gratefully trust His providence?
Lord, keep me surrendered to Your order of things, keen to learn, zealous to serve, willing to step up or step down at Your bidding, until Your will is done.
