Seattle, March 29, 2005.
31. A POWERFUL DEMONSTRATION OF THE POWER OF THE LORD. The time for the Lord to transport Elijah into heaven was nearing. He was to be carried in the awesome vortex of a mighty wind, a hurricane with all of its manifestations of power. Elisha went with him. He was a constant companion and friend and was not about to miss such a tremendous event. They left Gilgal. The place where the Israelites who had wandered forty years in the desert were circumcised. The reproach of Egypt [a type of the world] was removed from them. Josh. 5:7 Gilgal means, rolling or wheel. Spiritually, it depicts separation and consecration. Paul called it, the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh. Col. 2:11 It is a work of the Spirit preparing and sanctifying the vessel for the infilling of the Spirit. It is a cleansing wrought in the heart of man by the Spirit. Rom. 2:29 The experiences of Gilgal are most necessary for the church in order for her to be one with Christ.
THEY CAME TO BETHEL. Elijah tested Elisha and tried to persuade him to stay at Gilgal but with great zeal Elisha answered that there was no way that he would stay behind. He had made his consecration and was determined to go all the way. I will not leave thee. 2 Kings 2:2 It is apparent that it was common knowledge that Elijah was to be taken of the Lord that day. The sons of the prophets knew what was about to take place and let Elisha know that they knew it. From his response it would seem that they were speaking to him in rather an unpleasant manner. He responded to them with an invitation to hold their peace. In modern vernacular, shut up. 2 Kings 2:3 Once again Elijah tried to persuade Elisha to remain in Bethel. Bethel means, the house of the Lord. This is a place where we hear and are washed by the Word. Judgment begins at the house of the Lord. It is far better to learn and know of our failures and short comings that we might acknowledge them and be separated from them.
JERICHO BOUND. Jericho means fragrance or fruitfulness. Spiritual fruit comes to those who are willing to follow the process of sanctification as proposed by the Lord. The sweet perfume of the Spirit pervades their lives. Once again pressure is applied as at Bethel. He is tested a second time but remains steadfast in his determination to be present when Elijah is carried into heaven. 2 Kings 2:5
ELIJAH ORDERED OF THE LORD TO GO TO JORDAN. Jordan meaning flowing downward. Generally used as a type of death. This was to be the fourth and the last step before Elijah would be caught up. 2 Kings 2:6 There is no indication of the emotions of these two as they journey together. There must have been tremendous excitement in their hearts as they anticipated the wondrous and glorious event that was to take place at the end of their trip. Just thinking and writing about it is exciting for we too anticipate that marvelous day of our catching up.