“And Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here, for the LORD has told me to go to Bethel.’ But Elisha replied, ‘As surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!’”
“As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire…and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it…”
2 Kings 2:2, 11-12
Elijah and Elisha had been partners since Elijah returned from Mt. Sinai. Yet when it came to the end of Elijah’s earthly journey, he tried to prevent Elisha from following him. Three times he told Elisha to stay here, and each time Elisha’s reply was the same, “I will never leave you!”
Elijah had something that Elisha wanted—the presence and power of God in his life. Nothing was going to stop Elisha from that pursuit, not even his fellow prophets who came to discourage him. “Did you know that the LORD is going to take your master away from you today?” Not wanting to listen to their fear, Elisha told his brothers, “Be quiet about it!”
He was focused on a goal—Elisha must SEE God’s whirlwind of miracles. Only then would his desire for more of God be fulfilled. No wonder Elisha was determined to be right there with his eyes wide open.
Do I have that same passion for God’s presence in MY life? Do I even notice what He is doing around me, or have I allowed my “Did you know…” friends to blind me with fear? Perhaps if I stop focusing on their doom and gloom, I will be able to pursue GOD with all my heart.
And then I too will SEE God’s whirlwind of miracles that's actually happening all around me!
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