Elisha Bible Study Lesson Snippet
How does the ascension of Elijah point to the Lord Jesus?
2Ki 2:13-14 He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. (14) Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
We see in this ascension of Elijah, a nice little picture of Jesus' ascension and our need of seeing this fact. Let's just state the facts again...
- Elisha had asked for a double portion of his spirit.
- Elijah said that this could only happen if Elisha saw him ascend into Heaven.
- Elisha sees this, tears his own clothes, and puts on the cloak or mantle of Elijah that fallen from Elijah.
- Elisha then performs his first miracle through the power of God.
In like manner, Jesus said that it was good that He had to go back to the Father, for He would send the helper - the Spirit of truth (see John 16:5-14) to be with all that believe in His name. And just as Elisha tore his own clothes and took upon himself the clothing of Elijah, so we take upon ourselves the garment of righteousness. Just as it is written:
'I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness . I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.'(Isaiah 61:10)
But to do so means that we tear our own clothing first just as Elisha did! It means that we look not to our own righteousness or good works, as though that would win us favour with God, but in faith accept and see the Lord Himself as our righteousness, as our standing before the Father. The robe of righteousness that is given by the risen Lord is a free and precious gift! It will not wear out and will cover you completely until the day that you see Him face to face and are transformed into His image! Don't ever forget it! (see Rom 4:4, 5:17, 10:1-11, 1 Cor 1:30, 1 Cor 14:1 John 3:2)
From: The Rapture of Elijah - Swing Low Sweet Chariot!(Part 2)