The Translation of Elijah.
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The great wonder of Elijah's translation by the whirlwind into the heavens offers us, the truth of Christ ascension and glorification.

Elijah presents to us the divine dealings of God under the law. It is Christ who presented Himself to Israel at His first advent under the law.

But Elijah's ministry under the law proved only to ripen God's judgment against the nation's obstinacy. Elijah before being translated travels to three places: Bethel to Jericho to Jordan.

Bethel witnessed the sin of Jeroboam's golden calf. Jericho was rebuilt during the days of Ahab by the blood of curse. In other words, Jeroboam represents the first dynasty and Ahab represents the last dynasty in Israel*

* After Ahab, the dynasty of Jehu brings reform and revival of the true faith though in a diluted fashion. Thus, Jeroboam to Ahab, Bethel to Jericho signifies the failure of nation under the law.

Having surveyed through the history of moral corruption, Elijah travels to Jordan (the type of death). Even so, after the failure of Israel under the law to accept Christ, the Jordan type becomes true in the death of Christ on the cross. With this the economy of God's dealings under the law is done away with.

After crossing Jordan, Elijah is translated. Even so, after Christ died, He rose again and ascended to the heavens to be seated at the right hand of God.

But the lesson to be learnt is this: Elisha would get the double portion only when he 'sees' Elijah's translation- 'if thou see me when I am taken up' (2 kings 2:10-12).

We get the power of the Spirit of God when we appreciate Christ's ascension and glory.

Elisha presents the ascended Christ ministering for His people in grace.

P. Ben

[Dec. 2016]


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