Daily Devotional for Saturday, April 12

The Final Days of Elijah’s Ministry

“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder: and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven,” 2 Kings 2:11. 

Elijah’s final days on the earth were no less courageous than any of his earlier ministry. In his final days, he called on God to send fire from Heaven to consume the soldiers King Ahaziah had sent to arrest him. He knew from personal experience what God would do, and he boldly called on God to demonstrate His power over evil again.

            Saying good-bye to a mentor is never easy, especially a man of God. Elisha and all the sons of the prophets knew what was about to happen, but that did not make this day any easier. Elisha refused to allow Elijah to travel the last miles of his journey on earth alone. He chose to be with him until the end. And oh, what a gift Elisha received! Some of Elijah’s last words to Elisha were the same words God posed to Solomon, “What shall I do for thee” (2 Kings 2:9)? Elisha asked for a double portion of the spirit of Elijah he had witnessed in the life of his mentor. What better gift could a young man receive? As Elijah and Elisha walked and talked a chariot of fire appeared and parted the two of them. Elisha personally watched his father in the ministry be taken up into Heaven!

            Elijah’s life and ministry greatly affected everyone who lived in Israel during his lifetime. He did not care what the world around him thought. He was convinced that God was right and the satanic worship that Israel had embraced was wrong. He lived to obey God and defeat evil. What a legacy he has left for each of us as we live each day in this evil world.

REFLECTION

When God calls us to stand against evil, remember His words to Elijah, “Be not afraid of him” 

(2 Kings 1:15)!

Karen Meigs