2 Kings 2:10 So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.”
The story of Elijah and Elijah is one that I never grow tired of reading or hearing about. I love reading about Elisha’s devotion to Elijah, and his love for him.
Elisha being a prophet knew that the Lord was ready to take Elijah. During this time, Elijah was asking Elisha to stay behind as he had to go to Bethel and then to Jericho, but he wouldn’t. He responded that he would not leave him, and he kept true to his word.
Elisha focus was to stay near Elijah. When Elijah asked him what he wanted, Elisha responded that he wanted a double portion of his Spirit. His request would be granted if Elisha was able to keep his eye on him, and on nothing else.
While the sons of the prophets stayed at a distance, Elisha was right by Elijah’s side. Then it happened. The chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, it separated Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, then saw him no more. Elisha then took up Elijah mantle, and now the anointing rested upon Elisha.
This is a powerful lesson we need learn: stay focused on our vision, don’t be distracted when “fire” comes near us, and never ever watch from a distance. We are to keep our focus on God, his plan and his promises for our life, lest the mantle fall and another takes it.
May all of us keep our focus on God, appreciate the anointing and be willing to stand next to the fire to receive it.
Keeping your focus on God (and in my case, keeping my eyes off of the physical), such a simple thing for us to say, but entirely a different thing to do. God reminded me of this several times – “Your focus is off.” One thing I’ve recently learned is that people who sometimes focus on themselves (self-pity) are usually very compassionate people because they can truly identify with others hurts. My goal is to Always focus on God, and always be in His presence. Anyway, a post I needed to hear. God bless!