“Then Elijah said to him (Elisha), “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of them went on. 7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan. 8 Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. 9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 10 So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” 11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.” 2 Kings 2:6-14 NKJV
Omnipotent God,
You answered the prayer of Elisha. It reminds me of when Elijah found Elisha ploughing with oxen and threw his mantle over him and called him his successor (1 Kings 19:19). Humble beginnings. Elijah, a farmer, perhaps never felt quite worthy, not having been brought up as a prophet or serving you. Perhaps he did not feel good enough or with any abilities. But he was brave and asked for Your anointing, the anointing Elijah had. Not for personal gain, we see his life spent in Your service. You enabled Elisha to see Elijah leave and become a mighty man of God, Your man.
Peter recognises that Simon desired the Holy Spirit for his own gain and challenged him to repent (Acts8:18-22). Paul warns against those who want to profit from preaching (1 Timothy 6:3-5) but believers preachers should be supported so they can serve God (2 Timothy 5:17-18). Paul himself was grateful for those who provided for him but he never took advantage (Philippians 4:14).
Sometimes I wonder that You could ever use me but then I remember You are God and generous and kind and allow me to help You! I may never see fiery chariots or part a river but I desire to serve joyfully and with an expectation of the miraculous. May we too be mighty men and women of God, for You in our own way with Your miraculous power.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 1st June 2026
A hymn for Elijah calling down fire from heaven but it is still good for t0day and Pentecost is not just one day . . .
Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost,
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire!
God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire!
‘Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For power to walk the world in white,
Send the fire!
To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire!
O see us on thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day,
To crown the offering now we pray,
Send the fire!
Repeat last verse . . .
Lyrics: William Booth