The Ascensions of Elijah and Jesus
2 Kings 2:1 – Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. (NRSV)
A strong to quite strong way to start a chapter. The stage is set for one of the most dramatic events in the Old Testament: Elijah’s ascension.
Elijah. Remember him? He prophesied a drought, was fed by ravens, raised the dead, challenged King Ahab and the false god Baal, struggled with fear and loneliness, and was met by God—not in wind, earthquake, or fire—but in sheer silence. Now, in a fitting exclamation point at the end of his life, Elijah is about to be taken to heaven by a whirlwind.
In 1 Kings 19, God told a discouraged Elijah to anoint Elisha as a prophet in his place. (If you mix up their names, just remember J comes before S in the alphabet—EliJah comes before EliSha.) Elijah obeyed, throwing his mantle over Elisha, who became his assistant. Most scholars believe Elisha trained under Elijah for six years. But now, it’s time for Elijah to depart.
Prophets in Bethel and Jericho knew about this pre-planned exit. In 2 Kings 2:3,5, they ask Elisha, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” He replies, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”
A touchy subject. Elisha doesn’t want to talk about losing his mentor.
Elijah tests Elisha’s devotion, telling him three times to stay behind. Each time, Elisha refuses: “I will not leave you.” The two journey on, while fifty prophets follow at a distance, sensing something monumental is about to happen.
At the Jordan River, Elijah rolls up his mantle, strikes the water, and it parts—just as Moses parted the Red Sea and Joshua the Jordan. They cross on dry ground. Elijah then asks Elisha: “What can I do for you before I am taken?”
Elisha responds in 2 Kings 2:9, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.”
He’s not asking for twice the power but to be Elijah’s rightful spiritual heir. In ancient Israel, the eldest son received a double portion of inheritance (Deut. 21:17). Elisha wants the prophetic anointing necessary for his calling.
Elijah replies, “You have asked a hard thing.” Was this really too hard for the guy who prayed fire down from heaven and parted the Jordan river with a mantle a few moments ago? Yes it was too hard, because a double share of this prophetic spirit was not Elijah’s to give. If Elisha had asked for a piece of property belonging to his mentor, Elijah could have given it to him because it was his to give. But God’s prophetic spirit and power are not the same as a piece of property. Spiritual gifts belong to God alone. Elijah could only pray that Elisha’s request might be granted.
2 Kings 2:11 – As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven.
For a moment, it seems Elisha might miss it—separated from his master. But in verse 12, he sees and cries out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” He tears his clothes in grief, but God has answered his request. Scripture records Elisha performing twice as many miracles as Elijah.
Now, let’s turn to another ascension—one that fulfills what Elijah’s foreshadowed.
The Ascension of Christ
Luke 24:50-51 – Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
Acts 1:9-11 – And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven, behold, two men in white robes said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go.”
Bible scholar Alexander Maclaren highlights key differences between these two ascensions:
• Means of Ascension: Elijah was taken up by outward forces—whirlwind and fire. Jesus ascended by His own divine power, returning to the glory He had before.
• Manner of Departure: Elijah’s was dramatic—fire, wind, sudden separation. Jesus’ was calm, His final act being a blessing. Each ascension mirrors the life that preceded it.
• Destination: Elijah was a mortal taken into heaven. Jesus, the eternal Son, ascended as King, seated at the right hand of the Father (Eph. 1:20-22).
• Aftermath: Elisha inherited Elijah’s spirit, continuing his work. Jesus’ disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowered to take the gospel to the world (Acts 2).
Elijah’s ascension pointed forward to something greater. Jesus, having conquered sin and death, ascended in victory—not leaving us behind but sending His Spirit and promising to return.
One ascension was a stunning farewell. The other was the ultimate fulfillment.
By his ascension Christ establishes the church, granting gifts to it for its preservation and advancement (Eph. 4:11f). All that he did and does is in union with us. We were in him in his ascension. We too have ascended to the right hand of the Father in Christ. We too sit with him in heavenly places. Christ is not king merely over a collection of disparate individuals but over his covenant people, of which individuals are a part. - Robert Letham
Pause and ask the Lord for more of what only he can give! His Spirit. Luke 11:13
Pray: Father, fill me with the Holy Spirit and any gifting you would be pleased to give me.
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