Elisha Follows Elijah
We have one great quest in this study, and that is to follow the steps that mark the believer in his walk with God; the steps that lead to the higher ground; the distinct stages of the Christian as he passes out of carnality and into spirituality.
1. An important feature before us is the tenacity with which Elisha pressed on toward his goal. He would allow nothing to turn him back. He had his goal in sight, and, in order to lay hold on that for which he had been laid hold upon by Christ, he counted the things behind as refuse and pressed on toward the things before.
2. Another thing is the glorious success that crowned Elisha’s quest. He received that for which he sought. He followed on until he was the recipient of Elijah’s mantle. When he had first plowed twelve yoke of oxen in the field, Elijah had cast his mantle upon him. That occasion was only prophetical. Elisha knew that the fulfilment of that pledge must be found in going all the way with God. Therefore he followed on, until, at last, he once more caught up the mantle of Elijah, as the mighty man of God was disappearing in a chariot of fire.
3. Last of all it is worthy of note that Elisha after he had received the mantle of Elijah, wrought mightily, even as his master had formerly wrought. Elisha could do what Elijah had done, because he was honored by the same God who honored Elijah. It was not the mantle, it was God who wrought. The mantle was only the sign of God’s anointing.
As Elisha stood by the Jordan on the return, he cried, "Where is the God of Elijah"? then he smote the waters. In after days he wrought mighty miracles through the same mighty God.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR