Go Ahead, Ask
Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing, yet if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. – 2 Kings 2:9-11 (NRSV)
The Second Book of Kings is an odd lectionary source for the fourth week of Advent, a mere week before Christmas Eve. We’re getting ready for the birth of Jesus. Why this story about the death of Elijah? What do a chariot and horses of fire have to do with the friendly beasts of the Bethlehem stable?
By this time in Advent, I imagine most of us want Christmas peace, not a whirlwind. I know I do.
But maybe this story is the right one for today. The heaven-bound Elijah wasn’t the only person caught up in a whirlwind. Elisha was, too. His was a whirlwind of grief, a whirlwind of fear that he wasn’t up to his calling. Perhaps you know such whirlwinds. I certainly do, especially five days before Christmas Eve.
To weather his whirlwind, Elisha asked for “a double portion” of Elijah’s spirit, the spirit that came from God. Perhaps we need to ask the same. After all, we are getting ready for Emmanuel, God-with-us, right?
Prayer
Five days before Christmas Eve, we need a double portion of your spirit, Lord. Some of us need even more. Give us the courage to ask. Give us the courage to trust. Amen.
About the AuthorTalitha Arnold is Senior Minister of the United Church of Santa Fe (UCC), Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is the author of Mark Parts 1 and 2 of the Listen Up! Bible Study series and Worship for Vital Congregations.