“住耶利哥的先知门徒从对面看见他，就说：‘感动以利亚的灵感动以利沙了。’” - 王下 2:15

 Taken Up To Heaven

The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” — 2 Kings 2:15  

 Devotion

In our journey to understand Ascension Day, we need to stop and overhear this exchange between the prophet Elijah and his successor, Elisha. Three times Elijah notes that he is on a journey.

The first stop is Bethel, where Jacob had his dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth and angels ascending and descending on it (Genesis 28:10-22). The second stop is Jericho, remembered as the first place of battle when the people of God entered the promised land (Joshua 5:13-6:27). The third stop is the Jordan River, which the people crossed on dry ground to enter the promised land (Joshua 3:1-17); this was also where John the Baptist would baptize people, including Jesus (Mathew 3:13-17).

At each stop Elijah says, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me.” And Elisha responds, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.”

The journey ends, though, when chariots and horses of fire separate Elisha from his master and Elijah goes up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha not only sees this happen, but he also takes up the cloak of Elijah, which God allows him to use in parting the waters of the Jordan River again on his way back to Jericho. Just as Joshua was appointed to follow Moses, it’s clear that Elisha was appointed to follow Elijah. The mission of God continues.

 Prayer

strengthened and equipped to do our part by the power of your Spirit. Amen.

诵读:楚云丨片头: 张妙阳

感谢《普世佳音》制作上传网络

文字校对：李清

图文编排：裕化

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