Today's poem is from Elisha's perspective: he has been prepared, but it's still a bit intimidating to take on the mantle of Elijah. Even the Elijah of Israel who hadn't grown into the mythical proportions described in Malachi. But despite knowing that he was facing much more than he could take on on his own, Elisha determined to ask the outrageous, the un-grantable: a double portion of Elijah's spirit. It is nothing short of asking for the status of firstborn son. But his audacity is encouraged and Elijah says that it is up to Elisha what he will get, how much he will benefit.
And we, too, if we come prepared to receive and ask for the blessing of the spirit, will receive it as much as we are able to take it in. This is a gift that depends upon the ability of the recipient to receive, not the giver to give.
Christmas day 2. The Prophets and the Leave-taking.
part ii. Elisha
2 Ki 2: 5 The company of prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “but do not speak of it.”
Today he leaves this wanderer’s life
for places of his dreams—
I don’t feel ready to say farewell,
Still much to learn; yet it seems
That now is the time to take up the task
he laid upon me with his robe.
Facing the struggles and hardships together,
our hearts are weighed down by the load
Of speaking God’s heart to people intent
on breaking it by their defiance.
This half-way existence of living on earth
while each step and breath is reliance
On Yahweh on high—sometimes it’s more
than I’m able to grasp in my heart.
To continue alone is daunting, it’s true—
but I’ve been prepared for this part.
Closely I follow to Bethel and Jericho,
though he tells me I should stay behind.
“As the Lord lives, I’ll never leave you”, (for
there’s something I’m hoping to find.)
When he asks, then I tell him my deep heart’s desire:
his spirit times two, my request.
He says he can’t give it, but that I may have it
if I see him transported to rest—
Birthright of firstborn is mine to hold dear,
the reward when I follow and persevere.
No comments:
Post a Comment