Elijah’s Ascension and the Power Elisha Received

This passage deals with what the prophet Elijah went through before his ascension in order to establish his disciple Elisha as his successor. Before crossing the Jordan River, Elijah tells Elisha three times to stay behind, but Elisha refuses, firmly resolved to follow his master to the end. Because of Elisha's persistent companionship and faith, Elijah promises that he will receive a double portion of the grace of the Holy Spirit, as he desired.

Elisha witnesses his master's ascension with his own eyes and gains not a vague faith but assurance, and afterwards he carries out his mission, performing many miracles. In particular, in healing the bad water of Jericho and bringing God's judgment on those who mocked him, he shows how God protects believers and works on their behalf. The passage emphasises the importance of an obedience that truly loves God and seeks to understand his will, rather than formal religious acts.

We are led to think deeply about how to discern the stumbling blocks and temptations we meet on the journey of faith, and how to keep a faith that perseveres to the end and walks with God even amid the world's mockery and persecution.