Scripture Daily

Context No. 2763 of 4322 · 2 Kings

Context · Reflection

2 Kings 2:1-5: in context

1When the LORD was about to take Elijah up by a whirlwind into heaven, Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2Elijah said to Elisha, “Please wait here, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3The sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” He said, “Yes, I know it. Hold your peace.” 4Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please wait here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” He said, “As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?” He answered, “Yes, I know it. Hold your peace.”

The day has come for God to take Elijah up in a whirlwind, and both master and servant know it. Three times Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind while he goes on, to Bethel, to Jericho, to the Jordan. Three times Elisha refuses with the same vow: as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. And at each stop the local prophets remind him, do you know your master will be taken today? Yes, he answers, I know. Be quiet.

Elisha's devotion is stubborn and clear-eyed. He does not deny the loss that is coming; he simply refuses to spend the last hours anywhere but at his master's side. He does not want the reminders. He wants the man himself, while he still has him. There is something worth learning in his refusal to leave, in staying present all the way to the end rather than pulling back early to protect himself from the grief.

When I know a loss is coming, do I pull away to spare myself, or stay close to the very end like Elisha?

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