When we tell the story of Elijah going to heaven in a whirlwind, we often make two mistakes. The first is that we say Elijah went to heaven in a chariot of fire. Every picture I have ever seen shows him in a chariot with fire all around him. Verse 11 of Second Kings 2 says the chariot of fire and horses of fire separated Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah went up by “a whirlwind into heaven.”.

The second mistake is that most lessons do not cover the beautiful story of love and commitment between two great prophets, Elijah and Elisha. What a shame that we have missed a chance to understand true love and respect between two servants of God.

The story actually begins in First Kings 19. Elijah had become afraid and discouraged after being threatened by Jezebel. He ran away, but God found him and sent him to the mountain for a time of reflection. There he found God in a still small voice, and God laid out his next mission. He was to go to the wilderness of Damascus and anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. Then he was to anoint Jehu to be king over Israel. When those things were completed, he was to anoint Elisha to be his successor. Elijah did as God commanded, and that was the beginning of the relationship between the two prophets of God.

When it came time for Elijah to be taken, he and his companion left Gilgal and traveled to Bethel. Elijah did not want Elisha to travel with him, but Elisha refused to leave him. From Bethel, God sent Elijah to Jericho. Once again Elijah told Elisha to stay, but Elisha refused. At Jericho God sent Elijah to the Jordan. Elisha refused to stay in Jericho but went with him to Jordan.

Though the rest of the story is the exciting part of Elijah’s departure, these few verses are the heart of the relationship between these two men. There was obviously boundless love and respect between them. They were different men. Elijah was a rough man, living in the wilderness. Elisha was from the city and a milder tempered man. Those differences did not change their relationship.

Elisha would not leave his mentor. He wanted to spend every moment of Elijah’s final hours with him. When the young prophets in each city asked Elisha if he knew Elijah was going to be taken, Elisha told them to be quiet. He did not want to talk about the departure; he just wanted to cherish the time they had left.

The New Testament portrays similar relationships. When Paul began his first letter to the young preacher, Timothy, he said, “To Timothy, my own son in the faith.” Paul taught him things he needed to know as a young preacher. He mentored him while he was young. Paul later took him on his third missionary journey, and they remained close until the end of Paul’s life. Paul’s last letter was to his beloved Timothy.

Paul was also a mentor to a second young preacher, Titus. This young man was with Paul while he was in prison (Second Timothy 4:11). Again, he taught him things he needed to preach, and his letter to Titus is filled with instructions.

God wants us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. The apostle John writes in First John 3 the importance of loving one another. He compares the love of Christ with the love we should have for our brother. He says, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” In Romans 12:9 through the end of the chapter, Paul talks about the marks of a true Christian. He is speaking to the church at Rome, so to Christians; he tells them, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” In other words, love your brothers and sisters in Christ.

This is exactly what Elijah and Elisha felt for each other, brotherly love. That is why Elisha traveled to the Jordan with Elijah. That is why Elisha tore his clothing when Elijah was taken. That is why when Elijah went away in that whirlwind, Elisha cried, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.”

Last Wednesday evening, I saw two of our men embracing at the end of our worship service. They have been devoted friends for many years, and fellow Christians. On Sunday, I saw the majority of our congregation line up to give hugs to a lady who had responded to the invitation to request prayers for strength as she struggles with serious family health issues. Last Saturday a group of teens went to the home of a member to clean up his yard because he is unable to do it himself. For several weeks we have been preparing daily meals for two of our members. Both are alone and unable to cook for themselves. All of those are examples of “love the brethren.”

So, when we think of the story of Elijah and Elisha, let’s not just think of the miracle; but think about the devotion between two godly men who loved God and wanted to do His will. May we look for opportunities in which to show the brotherly affection Paul speaks of and that which is exhibited throughout God’s Word.

Sandra Oliver