November 19, 2025
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Reading along with us in 2 Kings, Acts, & Hebrews? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Kings 2 (NIV)
Elijah Taken Up to Heaven
1 When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.”
But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.……Continue Reading
It is curious to consider why Elijah moves around so much. Was it to test Elisha’a commitment to stay with him or so he could get confirmation that Elijah was going away or make a connection with other groups of prophets? Well, regardless, those all happen. And it is interesting that Elisha tells the other prophets to be quiet when they mention Elijah was going to be taken away. Does he not want Elijah to hear (but Elijah knows) or more so that Elisha didn’t want to admit the reality? And what a miraculous way for Elijah to be taken (without dying) and that Elisha receives a double portion of his spirit. It is no surprise that miracles, then, follow him and confirmation that he is not to be trifled with or seen as nothing being mocked by young boys. They and others learned a harsh lesson that there is a new prophet in town and God has got his back.
2 Kings 2
Elisha travels with Elijah, faithful to the end of his time here on earth. His only request, to have a double portion of the Holy Spirit power that was so evident in Elijah’s life. Elijah certainly finishes his time in a miraculous way, parting water and then to be lifted away by a literal whirlwind. It is funny that even knowing this was how it was going to happen he did try to go alone, no fanfare, and gave Elisha every opportunity to leave. Miracles continue even after he is gone through Elisha just confirming the power was God’s and not any one prophet and a reminder to some pretty rude boys that His power is not to be triffled with!
2 Kings 2
2 Kings 2
Psalm 29; 2 Kings 2; Jeremiah 9
2 Kings 1&2
Let that be a lesson to those who wanna make fun of bald guys .
Elijah is devoted, loyal and committed to God throughout his life in good and bad times. And he is rewarded by escaping physical death and being carried home in a whirlwind by a fiery chariot and horses. What a way to go! Elisha asks for a portion of Elijah’s spirit, and he is given it for his belief in God’s power, that all things are possible through him. The prophets don’t believe, so they ask to go looking for Elijah after he is taken away by the Lord. They seek, but do not find him. And the baldy boys get what is due them for mocking God’s prophet. They underestimated the power the “bald guy” had being a man of God. They were wicked, disrespectful and unkind. And as a result, I did not go well for them. This type of behavior reaps all kinds of trouble.
Elisha faithfully follows Elijah to his very last day and witnesses him being taken, he thus receives a double portion of Elijah’s Spirit.