From Kim Williams
First Congregational Church
2 Kings 2:9–22
Today’s story from 2 Kings is of Elijah’s ascent to heaven, his friend and successor Elisha beside him as it happens. Elisha, knowing that his time with Elijah is drawing to a close, asks for a double share of Elijah’s spirit.
“You have asked a hard thing…”
It’s not an easy task to give 100% of ourselves, but it’s possible. I suspect that even when we say we’re giving 100%, it’s still maybe, 75% tops. We have to stop and eat or rest if a task is lengthy or strenuous. In situations where the fight-or-flight part of our brain kicks in, we probably raise that up to 92%. Elisha is asking for double. Math has never been a strength of mine, but even I know you can only give 100% of anything.
“You have asked a hard thing; yet…”
Elijah, knowing what Elisha will have to take on, finds a way. All he asks is that his friend watch him as he is taken, until he can see him no longer.
Elisha, the faithful friend, watches to the end as his beloved Elijah is whisked up into the heavens in a chariot of fire. As the grief of loss settles in on him, wondrously, so does the mantle of Elijah. Both faithful in their promises to one another, Elisha is ready to accept his role as prophet.
Lord of the double-share and the improbable 200%, help us to serve you as faithfully as your prophets Elijah and Elisha did. When we find ourselves nearing our 92% threshold — especially when we are experiencing grief or loss, strengthen our spirits. Amen.