The Prophet Elisha
2 Kings 2:14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.
The name Elisha means “My God saves.” Grammatically, you could almost say it means “My God is Jesus.” And theologically, that’s exactly what it means.
Elisha was God’s hand-picked successor to Elijah. As Elijah was preparing to go to heaven, he offered Elisha a boon. Elisha asked, “For a double portion of your Spirit.” Elijah told him, “If you see me when I go up to heaven then you will know that God has given it to you.”
And boy did Elisha see – Elijah went up to heaven in a chariot, and Elisha cried, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen.”
Elisha knew his prayer was answered. When he crossed back over the Jordan, he struck the waters with Elijah’s cloak and cried, “Where is the God of Elijah?” And the waters parted.
The point was clear to him and to all. Elijah was gone but Elijah’s God, the true God, the Yahweh God and Savior remained.
Many years later, the same point was made. Jesus, whose name means “Yahweh saves” had fulfilled His name. He who is the only true God, had made the only sacrifice for sin, and had Himself conquered death and hell. Jesus, the resurrection and the life, ascended into heaven, and His disciples saw Him as He went riding the clouds as His chariot.
The point was again the same. The Spirit was to be poured out. God had not left His Church alone. Where is the God of Elijah? He is riding the clouds of heaven. He is pouring out His Spirit on His Church. He is preaching His mighty Word. He is coming again soon.
Now our heav’nly Aaron enters
With His blood within the veil;
Joshua now is come to Canaan,
And the kings before Him quail.
Now He plants the tribes of Israel
In their promised resting place;
Now our great Elijah offers
Double portion of His grace.
Lutheran Service Book 494:4