2 Kings 2:11
“As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.”
Memories have flooded my mind since I received word that Dr. Gerald Ford, a wonderful, godly former professor of mine had died. His class stands out since he told us on the first day of class that he was going to give us all of the questions that would be on the tests that he would give. There was only one detail—he gave us a list of 500 questions, and we never knew which ones would be asked! I think I studied more in that class than any other and enjoyed it.
This brilliant scientist had worked on the Manhattan Project during WWII yet had a humble Christian spirit that made him a true example of what a man of God should be.
As I read the tribute that was paid to Dr. Ford, I was struck by a quote that was attributed to him: “I always imagined that I would go out in a ‘blaze of glory’, but I suppose I will have to settle for going out in an ordinary way.” The tribute mentioned that it was not his death, but his life that was a “blaze of glory.”
In today’s Scripture, we read of the prophet Elijah being caught up to heaven in a chariot of fire. We might even say it was a “blaze of glory.” But the real blaze of glory in his life was his unswerving faithfulness to the Lord.
As Elijah left this earth he left his mantle to Elisha, who assumed his role as the faithful servant of the Lord. In a way, Elijah’s blaze of glory was his assistant, Elisha. The blaze of glory continued to burn for years to come.
May we all have those beside us who will inherit our BLAZE OF GLORY!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil