March 31, 2005.
33. PRELUDE TO RAPTURE. In anticipation of the wonderful event about to transpire, they walked and talked together. There was a close and intimate fellowship and communication between the two immediately before the transportation of Elijah into heaven. Spiritual happenings are preceded by deep and intense spiritual heart searching and a consistent and close walk with the Lord. The work of Elijah for that period of time had been accomplished a change was about to take place. He still lives, one of two unique men who are in the presence of the Lord without ever dying. Elijah has a ministry in the end of the age. He must come as a precursor who will herald the second coming of the Lord Jesus. Mal. 4:5 John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah but was not Elijah. Luke 1: 15-17 The works wrought by the two witnesses identify one of them as Elijah who will minister under a mandate of Law and prophet, as the prophet. Rev. 11:3-8
SEPARATED BY CHARIOTS OF FIRE. Elijah was translated into heaven in grand manner. The manifestation of the glory and power of the Lord at this time is beyond description. The chariot, with its speed and rumbling sound, speaks to us of a mighty and capable champion. One who is a warrior of the highest degree. That in itself is awesome. The word, chariot may also be translated upper millstone or something which grinds and crushes. Horses, again beasts of war. Conquering and to conquer. The noise and thunder of their hoofs is fearsome. Furthermore, the fact that all this was blazing with the fire of the Lord. Not just a flame but fire like lightning striking out in all directions with repeated flashing. Like that seen by Ezekiel as he recorded in Eze. 1:13 While the dark cloud is not reported as having been seen by Elijah and Elisha the circumstances warrant such a suggestion. It is out of the dark cloud that both lightning and whirlwinds appear. Ezekiel saw the cloud as the source of such actions. Eze. 1:4 The strength of the Lord is in the clouds. Ps. 68:34 It was the terrible, ordinarily destructive whirlwinds which caught Elijah up in its mighty power and carried him into the heavenly. Manifestations of weather that are usually destructive to the earth and mankind are used as examples of the extreme glory of the Lord. When these tremendous powers are displayed in a spiritual sense and from a Godlike position they are of great blessing. For instance, the pillar of fire and the cloud were life, light and protection to the children of Israel but they were just the opposite to the Egyptians. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit descended upon the waiting saints with the rush, the swish, the mighty sound of a strong gale and they were all filled with the Spirit. At the same time cloven tongues of fire were seen resting upon each of them. That lively, vibrant fiery presence of the Lord was made know that day. Not only was the sound heard but the fire was also visible. Acts 2:2-3 The same Sprit that was upon Elijah is made known in the world today. He still baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire.