“Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.’ And he said, ‘You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.’ And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, ‘My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!’ And he saw him no more.” (2 Kings 2:9-12)
The departure of Elijah offers a profound glimpse into the Lord’s transforming power. At first we see the preparation for Elijah’s departure. Together, Elijah and Elisha, his disciple and successor, journey to a place where the Lord will take him. This journey marks the completion of Elijah’s earthly mission. But here we also note that Elisha’s persistent following of Elijah illustrates the importance of faithfulness in doing and witnessing God’s work. His faithfulness is rewarded as he sees the chariots of fire and horses of fire that take Elijah into heaven, a magnificent vision of God’s glory akin to that glory viewed by Peter, James, and John when they saw Jesus transfigured along with Elijah and Moses.
This fiery chariot and horses demonstrates the supernatural aspect of Elijah’s departure, distancing it from ordinary human death. Not only is he physically translated from earth but he also enters from morality into immortality, thus illustrating the transformative power of God in death. This ascension signifies our own miraculous change from mortal to immortal life, what it will be like for us, just as glorious in the supernatural realm.
But as Elisha sees the vision he is also transformed by God. The Lord’s glory produces in him both awe and humility. It also is the means by which the Lord commissioned him and strengthened his faith so that he could boldly enter into the prophetic ministry for which he had been chosen. This serves as a reminder of our own calling to be witnesses to the gospel. We too have witnessed the glory of the Lord though perhaps not is such a spectacular manner. We have seen his glory in our baptism and in the sacrament of the altar. We have seen His glory in the mercy and forgiveness He grants us by faith. We are as equipped as Elisha was to carry out the work of the Lord with boldness.
Elijah’s departure vividly showcases God’s unparalleled power to transform mortality into immortality, serving as a reminder of the promise of eternal life for all believers through faith in Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this event, let us be encouraged to live in faithful anticipation of God’s ultimate victory over death, inspired by Elijah’s example to actively participate in God’s work until we are called into his eternal presence.