Where Is The God Of Elijah?

We’ll find that the response will be the same 31Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” This is the Lord’s diagnosis of the problem. It is not that there is a problem with our God, but with us and our faith. After all, it wasn’t Elijah who caused Jordan to open, but Elijah’s God! This is where the ‘Sons of the prophets’ went wrong. They wanted to know where Elijah was when Elisha got back – v15. They even sent out search parties to try and find him, although Elisha told them that it was pointless. The trouble was that they were asking the wrong question. It was not “Where is Elijah?” but “Where is the God of Elijah?” We don’t need the great men who have gone before, we need their God!

Where is the God of Elijah?

I wonder what went through Elisha’s mind as he returned to the Jordon. Perhaps he was thinking about his request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. (This probably refers to the way the first-born son received a double portion of the property of his father – identifying him as the heir. Deut 21:17 Elisha wanted to be recognised Elijah’s spiritual heir, so he requested a double portion of his spirit. Cp 1Ki 19:16) So as he walked along he probably wondered if his request had been granted, as Elijah had promised it would – If you see me when I am taken from you v10.

I doubt that he felt any different, except that he was alone and probably wondering how he could possibly fill Elijah’s size 20 sandals! Perhaps he also felt the added responsibility for the spiritual wellbeing of Israel resting heavily on his shoulders. Paul certainly felt that weight:... besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. – 2 Corinthians 11:28

So, when he came to the Jordan River, blocking his return, he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” 2 Kings 2:14

Was this a cry of despair and dejection? No! Elijah might be gone, but Elijah’s God was still present and just as powerful. He had asked for a double portion of the spirit of Elijah (v9) and now he acted on the basis of the promise – even if he didn’t feel any different.

And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. V14

He acted in faith, believing that God had granted his request and the waters parted. How often do we not benefit from what we have asked for in prayer because we do not take God at His word, trust Him to answer and act in faith as though God had already given it to us? Jesus promised: “whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Mt 21:22

This obviously does not give us carte blanche to ask for anything we fancy. Other passages complete the picture. Our requests must be in accordance with His will.