FOR ANCIENT BIBLE PROPHETS, the spiritual world held solutions to problems in the material world. Looking beyond the visible realm to the invisible, all-knowing Lord of all existence, the prophets were able to solve complex mysteries, heal physical difficulties, and bless innumerable people. Elisha's success in this undertaking—focusing on God instead of on the always—illusive physical world-made him one of the Old Testament's most beloved prophets.
Elisha's predecessor, Elijah, was himself a proven prophet. His ability to see into the mind of the Lord was something that Elisha yearned for. When God led the two of them to the Jordan River on what would be Elijah's final day on earth, Elijah proved the power of the Lord over the laws of matter. Elijah struck the river with his cloak and the waters parted. From this Elisha would learn one of his most memorable lessons.
Elijah bade his protege, "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee." II Kings 2:9. Elisha prayed that a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit be upon him. But Elijah had already shared with his student all that he could. The highest qualification for a prophet—the ability to turn Spiritward, to see with spiritual eyes and interpret the divine message—could not be inherited. However, as Elijah explained, if Elisha were to see him as he was being taken away from the material world, this would indicate that Elisha possessed his mentor's "spirit" already.
