Have you ever seen God move in unmistakable power? Bill Gladden used to say, “You will know it is God when all you can do is hold on.” When I read the story of Elijah and Elisha I see leaders who were holding on to God and watching him work. Some scholars relegate this to the annals of history, as though God could never work powerfully again.
Even great leaders can get discouraged. After Elijah battled and bushwhacked Baal and his prophets, the evil Queen Jezebel threatened his life. Elijah ran away, offered his resignation and asked God to let him die. God had other plans. There were kings and prophets whom Elijah needed to appoint. So God refused his resignation.
When Elijah threw his mantle over Elisha’s shoulders, he was inviting him to be his successor. Elisha followed him. Time and again Elijah offered Elisha an off-ramp. The younger prophet never took it. This is still what disciples do. We stay close to our Master. Elijah asked him what he wanted. Elisha asked for a “double-portion” of God’s Spirit. This was a hard request, but Elijah told Elisha he would receive his request if he was there when Elijah went home to God.
Elijah was so full of God’s power. He struck the Jordan river and it parted. Then Elisha watched as God came and took his servant home in a chariot of fire. God never did let Elijah die. Then Elijah’s mantle floated to the ground. Elisha picked it up and parted the Jordan with it. Elisha was not Elijah, but God was still God. Elisha ministered in great power. God was not finished working. He never is. Would you pray with me that God will work in power in our lives? We will know that it is God, when all we can do is hold on.
