Read 2 Kings 2:9-12
Verse 9-12 -
That fulness, from whence prophets and apostles had all their
supply, still exists as of old, and we are told to ask large
supplies from it. Diligent attendance upon Elijah, particularly in
his last hours, would be proper means for Elisha to obtain much of
his spirit. The comforts of departing saints, and their experiences,
help both to gild our comforts and to strengthen our resolutions.
Elijah is carried to heaven in a fiery chariot. Many questions might
be asked about this, which could not be answered. Let it suffice
that we are told, what his Lord, when he came, found him doing. He
was engaged in serious discourse, encouraging and directing Elisha
about the kingdom of God among men. We mistake, if we think
preparation for heaven is carried on only by contemplation and acts
of devotion. The chariot and horses appeared like fire, something
very glorious, not for burning, but brightness. By the manner in
which Elijah and Enoch were taken from this world, God gave a
glimpse of the eternal life brought to light by the gospel, of the
glory reserved for the bodies of the saints, and of the opening of
the kingdom of heaven to all believers. It was also a figure of
Christ's ascension. Though Elijah was gone triumphantly to heaven,
yet this world could ill spare him. Surely their hearts are hard,
who feel not, when God, by taking away faithful, useful men, calls
for weeping and mourning. Elijah was to Israel, by his counsels,
reproofs, and prayers, better than the strongest force of chariot
and horse, and kept off the judgments of God. Christ bequeathed to
his disciples his precious gospel, like Elijah's mantle; the token
of the Divine power being exerted to overturn the empire of Satan,
and to set up the kingdom of God in the world. The same gospel
remains with us, though the miraculous powers are withdrawn, and it
has Divine strength for the conversion and salvation of sinners.
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