One clear, bright sunny day I stood Upon the banks of the Jordan River Where there before my wondering view Stood two men who seemed inseparable ever. They didn't know that I was there But I heard a question asked that day: What shall I do for you before I leave? It seemed he was going to a place far away. A double portion of your spirit upon me, Said the one who was balding on his head; With bated breath I listened to the other man Greatly puzzled for this was what he said: Oh, that is a hard thing you asked, But if I'm taken from you and you see me go, Then your request shall be granted, But, if not, then it shall not be so. I wondered where the first man was going And was intriqued by the scene before me; His friend wanted a double portion of his spirit, Would it be granted? I wondered; I waited to see. What happened next I couldn't believe my eyes For out of the heavens came fiery horses and chariot And picked up the man in a whirlwind into heaven; His mantle fell and his friend picked it up. My father, my father, cried the man brokenheartedly. He rent his clothes; Where is the God of Elijah  he asked; Then with the prophet's mantle he smote the Jordan River Which parted hither and thither and he walked on dry path. The sons of the prophets saw it all and exclaimed The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha; In awe, they came to meet Elisha who would lead them In the same spirit and power of the prophet Elijah. I wanted to get a hold of the prophet's mantle It would smite all the obstacles in my life; As I contemplated this notion a thought came to mind The miracle came not from the mantle but from Christ. Another thought kept spinning in my head: If you commit your life to the God of Israel, Following Him in all that He has commanded, You will never, never in this life fail. Soon, the curtain was drawn and the drama ceased, The sound of old Jordan as it rolled ceased, too, But my quest for the God of Elijah had begun; I just now finished reading 2 Kings, Chapter two. Copyrighted © Lydia Haga 2004