Lessons From Elijah's Translation

What if Elijah had the entitlement mentality that says, “I’ve paid my dues; let somebody else do it?” I don’t think we would be reading this story today. I don’t think he would have been translated with that mentality.

2. He is still breaking through barriers right up to the end.

Watch him in verse 8 as he walks up to the Jordan River. “Elijah, are you sure you’re on the right path. You say the Lord is leading you; but look where it’s taken you: face to face with an insurmountable barrier. Maybe you should backtrack a bit. Just turn around and go back; it’s not working.” No, it’s working beautifully. Through the leading of the Lord, Elijah stands in the need of a miracle. I can’t find one place in the Bible where God gave someone a miracle that didn’t need a miracle. Herod tried to get Jesus to give him one. But Jesus refused to do that. Elijah is facing something too big for him to overcome alone.

Watch him as he calmly rolls up his mantle. What a strange thing to do in the face of a raging river. Then under a powerful unction of the Spirit he strikes the water. And when he acts in faith & obedience, God acts; God divides the waters. Not only does Elijah walk across on dry land, but Elisha gets to experience the miracle as well. Friends, if we will step out in obedience to God, others will be blessed through that obedience. I don’t just want to be blessed; I want to be a blessing as well.

3. He is still concerned about the needs of others.

There is Elisha following close behind him all the way. Three times Elijah says to him, “Stay here...for the LORD has sent me on....” What’s happening there? I don’t think Elijah wants the young prophet to stay behind. I think Elijah’s spirit leaps with joy every time Elisha answers back, “No way—I’m coming with you.” So what’s he doing? He’s giving Elisha the opportunity to draw the line and not go further. God’s giving Elisha a test. “Elisha, do you want more or are you content where you are?”

God asks us that as well. Do you want to stay where you are spiritually? If you do, I will respect your choice. But there’s always more. There’s more for you and me if we want it. It’s not going to be handed to you at Gilgal; it’s not even coming to you at Bethel. If you want it, you’ve got to go with your Elijah, Jesus, all the way to the Jordan. Elisha is not content to stay where he is. Elisha says to Elijah, “No, I’m coming with you.”

After Elisha passes those three tests—and may I say, not before—then Elijah turns to him and says, “Ask!” Nobody’s that persistent for nothing. What is it you want?” “What may I do for you before I’m taken away from you?” Right up to the end Elijah is serving the needs of others. The request is large. It’s the kind of thing only God can do. So Elijah tells the young prophet, “You’ll know pretty quickly whether God’s giving you that. You’ll know by revelation. You’re calling will be confirmed by God showing you what He’s doing. You’ll see things others don’t see.” Elisha’s experience of seeing Elijah taken up into heaven was part of his preparation for future ministry. God does not give revelation to entertain us. Nor does He give it to flatter us. God gives revelation to equip us. I could never do the job God’s given me to do without the revelation He has given in preparation for it. I would have given up long ago without that revelation. Many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. Real ministry is not energized by profit plans or benefit incentives. Real ministry is not energized by the prospect of gaining reputation. Real ministry is inspired and ignited by revelation from God. Someone may say, “How do I get that revelation?” You get it the same way Elisha does in our story.