In the Bible story of the great prophet Elijah and his disciple Elisha (see II Kings, chapter two), we’re told that after a long association with each other as teacher and student, it became apparent that the time would soon come for the elder Elijah to make the transition out of earthly experience. At this juncture, Elisha refused to leave Elijah’s side despite the prophet’s admonitions to do so. Finally, it reached a point where Elijah felt compelled to ask Elisha what he could do for him. Elisha replied, “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me” (verse 9). In other words, Elisha was hoping that Elijah could endow him with a generous portion of the spiritual impetus and understanding—the power of Spirit—that had enabled Elijah to demonstrate God’s power in so many instances.
With the wisdom of a great teacher, Elijah replied that Elisha’s own capacity for spiritual vision would determine what would happen. Elijah said, “If thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so” (verse 10).
The Bible reports what happened next in stirring language: “There appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (verse 11). It’s recorded that Elisha did see this event and that he took up the mantle, or cloak, of his mentor that fell from him as Elijah rose out of his sight. Surely the mantle can be viewed as an image of the power of Spirit, so mightily reflected by Elijah, descending on Elisha. Shortly after this incident, Elisha took Elijah’s robe and struck the water of the Jordan River. The water parted, and the prophet went across on dry ground. Elisha also assuaged a drought in the land.
