Knit to the Soul
As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.—1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV)
And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.—2 KINGS 2:14 KJV
For years, Elisha devoted time and energy to Elijah the prophet. He dreaded the end of his master’s ministry. When the “sons of the prophets,” Elijah’s disciples, predicted his exit, Elisha refused to listen. When Elijah himself tried to take leave of his aide, Elisha said, “No way.”
He watched miracles he did not want to see. First, Elijah parted the Jordan River with a slap of his mantle. Then a chariot of fire carried Elijah to heaven. Elisha could only cry, “My father! My father!” (2 Kings 2:12 KJV) and tear his clothes in grief. His future loomed empty and sad without his mentor and friend.
But Elisha had asked for a double inheritance from his spiritual father, a twofold portion of God’s Spirit. So when Elisha slapped the Jordan with his mentor’s mantle and yelled, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14 KJV), the Lord parted the river again.
When we have devoted our lives to loved ones—especially those who nurtured us spiritually—we may find it difficult to go on without them. But God is still there, ready to empower us with His love so we can accomplish His purposes.
Lord, although I’ll miss the dear one I’ve served, You’ll send me others to love. Help me see them with Your vision.
As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.—1 Samuel 18:1 (ESV)
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)