"His Very Own"

Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up in a whirlwind into heaven. Now Elisha saw it, and he cried out, "My father, mt father, the chariot of Israel and its horseman!" So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went and stood by the bank of the Jordon. 2 Kings 2:11-13

 I must admit, I love this account. I think its because it reminds me of the account where Jacob wrestled throughout the night, refusing to let go unless he received the Man's blessing. ...And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" Genesis 32:26 I admire that kind of determination to lay a hold of the things of God and not let go till they have come to pass.

Elisha's refusal to leave Elijah is like that. He knew that God was about to take Elijah up to heaven and there was no way he was going to miss it. Three times Elijah tried to get Elisha to stay as he went forth to meet with God and three times Elisha refused to part from him.

Have you ever noticed just how many people knew that the Lord was about to do something big? And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, "Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?" And he said, "Yes, I know, keep silent!" 2 kings 2:3 ...So they came to Jericho. And the sons of the prophets who were in Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?" So he answered, "Yes, I know; keep silent!" 2 Kings 2:5  ...So the two of them went on. And fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordon. 2 Kings 2:7

So all the sons of the prophets from Bethel, and all the sons of the prophets in Jericho, and 50 of the sons of the prophets near the Jordon all knew! Yet?  Only Elisha stuck close. He traveled from Gilgal to Bethel, Bethel to Jericho, and from Jericho to the Jordon and beyond; all the while refusing to leave Elijah. Why? Because he knew that God was about to do what He had said he would and he wasn't going to miss it.

Jacob wrestled all night refusing to let go. Why? He wanted a blessing!!! Elisha despite Elijah's request refused to leave his side. ...Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordon." And he said, "As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So the two of them went on. 2 Kings 2:6,4,2 Why? He wanted God's anointing!!!  

The refusal of God's chosen vessels to stop short is what sets them apart from all those who watch from a distance!

The refusal of the men and women of God to not to stop short, to not let go, but instead, to press on and to hold fast, is the very quality that sets them apart as the called out ones that God calls to be His very own!

Don't let go! Get your blessings!

Don't stop short! Pick up your mantle and walk in His anointing!