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2 Kings 2:11-12,  As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.

In this chapter, we find Elijah taking his mentee/student on a farewell tour to greet the prophets at Bethel, Jericho, and Gilgal.  Elijah will soon leave the earth; that much is repeated multiple times.  It almost seems that Elijah wants to take this final journey alone but Elisha insists on staying with his master.  As the chapter progresses, Elijah is taken to heaven (our focus verses illustrate the powerful way Elijah ascends) and Elisha becomes the one in charge.

Some thoughts:

-The Elijah and Elisha relationship is a really special one.  Elijah has mentored and poured himself into the younger student.  As a result, Elisha is now ready to lead.  Who might God be calling you to mentor?

-Godly leadership often involves making hard decisions and sacrifices.  We have seen that in Elijah’s ministry and we will soon see it in Elisha’s ministry.  Is God calling you to a hard decision?  Has he asked you to make a sacrifice for his Kingdom and you are dragging your feet or hesitant?

-Godly leadership is repaid in unexpected ways.  Elijah and Elisha had a bond and were very much dedicated to God and one another.  They were like father and son.  Elijah’s ministry bore much fruit in unexpected ways over his years as a prophet.  In the end, God brought him directly into heaven – no long, extended dying process.  Godly leadership is hard but it also has many rewards. 

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Guide us as we try to be the people and Godly leaders you call us to be.  Help us do whatever it takes to serve you.  May we be fruitful people.  In Your Name, Amen.