"Parting the Waters" by Andrew Nash
“Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14b).
Your mentor is reaching retirement. You’ve spent the last several years following his actions, and you feel like you’ve earned recognition as his successor. But you’re not alone. There are dozens of others also wishing to take up your mentor’s mantle.
But things have gotten weird lately. On his “farewell tour,” your mentor tried to leave you behind three times. “No, I won’t leave your side,” you said. That’s where Elisha finds himself in this passage.
Moments earlier, Elijah takes his coat off and uses it to part the Jordan River so he and Elisha can cross. Elijah asks if Elisha has any last requests, and Elisha asks for a “double portion of your spirit.”
When I was a kid, I thought this was like getting two portions of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving: It’s a special occasion, so you can get twice what you want! Instead, Elisha was asking to be Elijah’s ministerial heir—firstborn sons received a double portion of the inheritance according to custom.
Elijah says that’s a hard thing to ask for but gives a “parent” answer of “Stick with me, and you’ll see.” As Elijah’s flaming chariot swept away, the only thing left for Elisha was Elijah’s coat.
Elisha mourns and walks back to the Jordan River, holding Elijah’s coat. The other prophets had seen Elijah part the waters and walk across with Elisha. Now the other prophets are waiting. And watching.
“Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” asks Elisha. He takes Elijah’s coat. He strikes the waters. They part. Imagine the relief Elisha felt as the waters parted.
It can be hard to know what God wants for us. But when God blesses you, the rushing waters will stop, and your path will be made clear.
Andrew Nash