This post is Day 7 in a series of studies about “Suddenly”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Suddenly – Day 7

The amazing story of the disappearance of Elijah sounds like something from a science fiction film. It must have been a surprise for both these prophets. Elisha had stuck by the side of Elijah and learned much, and the prophets both knew this was their last walk with the other.

2 Kings 2:11

As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

The Thought

The amazing story of the disappearance of Elijah sounds like something from a science fiction film. It must have been a surprise for both these prophets. Elijah’s “replacement” Elisha had stuck by his side and learned much, and the prophets walking together, both knew this was their last walk in each other’s company. How strange that must have felt.

Both prophets were expecting a “suddenly”, but we don’t know if either of them knew what form it would take. Reading through this chapter we learn that many prophets in the area knew it was the end of Elijah’s time on earth. But no-one knew how that would happen, until suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared!

The two prophets must have walked many miles in silence that day. They walked from Gilgal to Bethel, then to Jericho before going to the river Jordan where Elijah was taken up to heaven leaving Elisha to take the place of his spiritual father.

The first thing Elisha did was check that God was with him as He had been with Elijah. He struck the ground at the side of the river and the Jordan opened a path to let him through (2 Kings 2:14). Elisha’s career had begun!

Action

Read 2 Kings 2 today and ask yourself what is most surprising about this chapter. The fact that both prophets knew this was Elijah’s last day on earth? That they had to walk so far? The other prophetic voices who had heard from God? The actual “disappearance” of the senior prophet?

Think about any “suddenlies” in your own life. Were they from God?

Listen to some of the prophetic voices today and watch for the fulfilment of what they say.

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