When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing, yet if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. ~ 2 Kings 2:9-12
As much as Elisha might be nervous about his new role, he is also grieving about the idea of losing his master.
It isn't just that the training wheels are being taken off, it's also that an important and meaningful relationship is at an end.
I've had teachers that helped me grow into the person I am today that have passed away - or that I moved far from. One of my seminary professors particularly meant a great deal to me - he was the one who gave me the love I have for the Old Testament. I miss the conversations we had. His guidance was critical for me as I worked out my calling.
That relationship had to come to its ending point. As much as I know that, it was sad for me to know that I'd likely never encounter him again.
Elisha's grief had to be dealt with as much as his nervousness. He had to go through it to go on to his calling. And so he does. He makes a physical declaration of his grief and then, he will move on.
Who is a person who was highly influential in your life as a mentor or teacher?
What did they teach you?
Did that relationship end? If so, how did you feel when it ended?
Thank you God for those you send in my life to teach me. Amen