Based on 2nd Kings 2:1-12
“Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.” This becomes Elisha’s mantra in 2nd Kings chapter 2. He knows that today is the day that Elijah will leave him and go up into heaven, but he doesn’t want to talk about it. After all, Elijah has been like a father to Elisha. He’s trained Elisha up to become a prophet after him. The two are very close. Elisha can’t bear the thought that Elijah has to go.
Elisha is upset, but after Elijah has been taken up into heaven, he doesn’t despair. Instead, he goes out and uses Elijah’s teachings to further the kingdom of God. He was able to do this because Elijah didn’t preach himself; he preached God. He didn’t teach about himself; he taught about God. He didn’t make himself known; he made God known through him.
Who has made God known to you? Who has been your Elijah? Your Elijah would be someone near and dear to your heart, someone to whom you would be sad to say good-bye. Perhaps you have already said good-bye. Your Elijah would be humble, preaching only Christ and not him- or herself. Your Elijah would not be perfect, but would strive to be like God, knowing where the true reward lies.
You can celebrate the gifts your Elijah has given you by doing as Elisha did: going out and using their teachings to further the kingdom of God. After all, it’s never been about the Elijah or the Elisha. Rather, it’s been about their God and the vocation their God gave them.