2 Kings 2:1- 18 - Chariots of Fire

Elisha was Elijah's anointed successor (1 Kings 19:19-21). Although he had been anointed then there was still much that had to happen before he assumed the role. We need to understand that this is a common pattern. David was anointed as king many years before he actually took the throne. When the disciples were called by Jesus that was just the start of the journey. 

Elijah knew that the time for him to go was near and urged Elisha to stay at Gilgal. Elisha had been Elijah's servant and refused to be left behind. The reasons for this are probably a combination of commitment to Elijah as a servant and knowing that he needed something more in order to fulfil his role.

The band of prophets came out and asked Elisha if he knew that this was time for Eljah to be taken away. In fact this happened several times, each time Elisha tells them yes but not to speak about it.

Elijah went to several places and each time to stay behind, each time Elisha refused. Maybe there is some parallel to Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him.

When they reached the Jordan Elijah struck the water with his cloak and the waters parted. This is reminiscent of Moses at the Red Sea, and Joshua at the Jordan itself. After they had crossed Elijah asks Elisha what he can do for him. Perhaps all the preceding events had been a test. Sometimes God tests us see how true our commitment is. After the test will come a reward. 

Elisha wanted to receive a double portion of Elijah's anointing. The "double portion" does not mean a stronger anointing, rather it reflects inheritance law where the firstborn son received a double portion. Ie he received the largest part of the inheritance.

Elijah said this was a difficult thing, he knew that the anointing was in the Lord's hands. So he left things in God's hands. 

Elijah was then taken up in chariots of fire. Elisha declared "the chariots and horsemen of Israel". What does this signify? It means that Elisha saw that the true strength of Israel was not in human power but in heavenly power, in God Himself. We too need to recognise where our strength comes from, and where the church's strength comes from. This is why it is so tragic when the church seeks to be like the world, for when it does so it loses all power.

Elisha went back and he too divided the Jordan, this was a sign that he had indeed received the spirit of the Lord. The band of prophets recognised the significance of this. They also wanted to go and look for Elijah. Elisha warned them it was a waste of time, and so it proved.

So Elijah never actually died. Enoch is the only other person never to die. What does this tell us? That death is not the end. We will one day die, but afterwards we will be raised to new life with Christ.