In 2 Kings chapter 2 we read that the Lord took the prophet Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). Elijah’s servant, Elisha knew he was to succeed his master in ministry (1 Kings 19:19) and that Elijah was soon to be ending his time on earth. Elisha was determined to stay with his master in order to receive a double portion of his anointing (2 Kings 2:9b). Shortly before his departure, Elijah told Elisha 3 times to “stay here while I go to another place” but each time Elisha replied, “As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you” (2 Kings 2:2b;4b;6b; NKJV). Elisha witnessed Elijah’s departure to heaven and received the anointing to follow in his prophetic ministry (2 Kings 2:15). Elisha showed amazing faithfulness and commitment to his master and his reward was great.
How committed are we in our relationship to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? In Mark 12:30 (NKJV) we read, “and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” Jesus called us to put selfishness aside and be sold out for God (Matt 16:24-25). If we follow Jesus with all our heart, He said we would, “have the light of life” (John 8:12; NKJV). If we make God our priority, we will experience all His blessings (Matt 6:33), and walk in His power to shine as lights (Acts 1:8) and be His witnesses on the earth. Are we as tenacious in our relationship with God as Elisha was with Elijah? The rewards are awesome!