Tuesday 16 September 2025
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” (v. 9)
Background
Sometimes change just seems to happen, doesn’t it? But healthy change is only possible if people are willing to not just 'hang in there' but intentionally bring their gifts and skills along with gracious and patient open minds, hearts and hands to the task before them.
The story today from 2 Kings is a story of someone stepping into a new role: it’s a story of transition and change. The prophet Elijah served in the time of great upheaval following the division of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms. Following Elijah’s encounter with God on the mountain, he is instructed to seek out Elisha to be his apprentice (1 Kings 19:16). These two travel together until the moment we read about today.
I tend to see this story as a very human moment when everyone knows that Elijah is dying and preparing to pass his mantle to his successor, Elisha. A 'mantle' (v. 8) was a cloak that symbolised the prophet’s authority and power, like a superhero cape.
The pair journeyed by stages from Bethel to Jericho and then to the River Jordan. I doubt it’s an accident that these dramatic moments happen at the Jordan, the place of crossing over from slavery to freedom, from one life to another. And Elisha crosses over there too, as he steps into life without his mentor by his side. He steps into a new role, takes up the mantle left by Elijah and begins to discover how he will hold it. He asks where God is, and God is with him, to make a way through the waters and into the new life on the other side.
I also note, at each stop along their journey Elijah says, “Stay here,” and Elisha replies, “I will not leave you” (eg see v. 6). Some suggest that Elijah’s repeated command was a test of Elisha’s loyalty. That may be. I wonder whether it was an acknowledgement that Elisha has a choice, and that 'taking on Elijah’s mantle was a difficult and costly thing to do.
To Ponder:
- In the face of all that is swirling around us in the world: the suffering, the conflict and the need for prophetic witness, loving-kindness, acts of tenderness and bold confrontation – what sets you on fire?
- In response to your thinking about the question above, what is 'the mantle' in your life? What is your role and where are you being asked to be open to something new?
Prayer
Almighty God, help me to find stillness in the midst of the busyness in the world, that I might understand myself better, come to know you more deeply and explore where and how I can help bring about positive change. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Mark Cheetham
Mark is Superintendent Minister of the Salisbury Circuit and Minister at Salisbury Methodist Church.