2 Kings 2:1-14
While the taking up to heaven of Enoch is summarised in the Bible in only two verses (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5), God permits us (as He did Elisha) to witness in detail the rapture of Elijah. Glorious event, which reminds us of two others – the one past, and the other yet to come! The past event is the ascension of the Lord to heaven. Like Elijah, Jesus trod the path of His people Israel, of which we have the various stages here in type – Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and finally Jordan (cf. H. Rossier, Studies in 2 Kings, pp. 20-25). Just as Elisha refused to be separated from Elijah, the disciples were devoted to the Lord Jesus. "To whom shall we go?", Peter asked Him (John 6:68; John 11:16). And they were also the witnesses of His ascension (Acts 1:9). Then, in accordance with the promise He had made them, the Holy Spirit descended on them with power. This reminds us of the spirit of Elijah coming to rest on Elisha after the taking away of his master.
But this chapter also carries our thoughts on to an event yet to come: the rapture of all the redeemed "in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Like Elijah, we are on our way, knowing what will happen to us. This hope should make our hearts rejoice!