The Ascension of Elijah by Eric de Sarussure
I recently wrote about NOT passing the baton since as long as we are alive we are still in the race. Passing the baton can be a useful metaphor for passing on a legacy, but perhaps a more appropriate metaphor might be passing the mantle.
My good friend, Leona Bergstrom, Director of Re-Ignite, is my guest blogger today. She has written a thoughtful article about transferring that mantle of faith (legacy) using the example of Elijah and Elisha. It all starts with us—the cloak we have chosen to wear. Will it be something the next generations will want to pick up? That’s question Leona puts to us in her blog, “Great Cloaks of Fire!”.
Modern film producers shock and awe with special effects that defy all sense of reason. An entire universe can explode into smithereens, machines can transform into human beings, and mortals can stare into the hereafter. More took place the day Elijah tilt his hat to Elisha, and essentially said “See ya later, Boy. It is all yours now.” He jumped into some magnificent chariot made of fire, ascended into the heavenlies (bypassing death, no less) and may have been heard yelling something about a cloak….
What does it mean to live and leave a legacy of powerful faith? The story that unfolds in II Kings 2 gives us exceptional truths to consider.
Elijah does his life-review with Elisha, a next-generation leader who is shadowing him. In one day’s time, Elijah leads Elisha on a tour that reads like a faith-in-action travel itinerary: Gilgal, where the Israelites camped out before entering the Promised Land: Bethel to pray; Jericho to see what remained of the walls; the Jordan River to face life’s end. An earnest mentoree, Elisha tended to Elijah’s needs while considering a strategic transition plan. Finally, Elijah asks, “What do you want from me?” Elisha, in typical next-generation fashion answers, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.” Yep – I’ve watched you, Elijah, and God has done some amazing stuff through you — but I want more. I want to know God more, see him work more. I want at least twice as much of the Spirit of God in my life and ministry.
How like the next generations of today: Seeking authenticity, revising everything from church structure to hymn-tunes, and daring to invade a fractured world with messages of grace, faith and justice. How like the next generation to want more!
If we had not already read the ending, we might expect Elijah to launch a 10-session discipleship/mentoring program to help Elisha carry forth the old man’s agenda. That is not what happens. Elijah takes off on a celestial motocross and leaves behind a cloak. His robe: a symbol of authority, position and everything associated with that: like ridicule, suffering and tremendous Spirit power.
Elisha has to be overwhelmed by the pyrotechnics of the moment. He has asked for double or nothing, and there it is in front of him: Elijah’s cloak. He willingly bends over and picks it up! He has seen it shining with holy fire and is eager to don it. He wants what had powered the generation before him. Had it been a lifeless cloak it is doubtful that Elisha would have cared to pick it up. Elijah leaves a heritage of fiery faith, spiritual fervor, and holy imagination! Elisha picks up the cloak, touches the Jordan River and watched as the waters part. He crosses on holy ground into a new world of ministry!
How are our cloaks doing? Is our life of faith burning so brightly with the fire of the spirit that the next generation wants to pick it up? Pastor Charles Swindoll once remarked, “You can not light another’s candle of hope if your own torch is not burning.”
May it be said that those of us in the second half of life are wearing great cloaks of fire; Spirit-filled fire that inspires our children and grandchildren to follow hard after a holy and outrageous God. When it comes time to lay it down, picking it up will be a holy and magnificent experience.
Leona is Director of Re-Ignite. Re-Ignite is a ministry that encourages Boomers to experience life filled with purpose and passion. To learn more, visit http://www.Re-Ignite.net.
If you are one of the younger generations (under 50), what would you want to say to the older generations about the kind of life you would want to follow after?
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