2 Kings Chapter 2: The Path of Death Met by Chariots and Horses of Fire

Verse 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.

◇ Like all people, Elijah too departed this life. However, unlike Enoch, who did not experience death, Elijah returned to God by a chariot of fire.

Someday, everyone returns to God. A forensic scientist who wrote the book "I Go to See the Dead Every Week" speaks about preparing for death and embracing a meaningful end. They talk about passing away surrounded by family, sharing words of love, rather than dying alone in an emergency room. In the past, people died amidst their families, leaving behind their final words in a warm tearful farewell, but nowadays many face death in isolation in hospitals.

Death is a path all lives must take. It would be beautiful if families could send their loved ones off with love, disciples followed and bid farewell, and someone regretted letting go. It would be wonderful to depart seeing someone take over your work. A path that everyone must walk, I wish it to be met by God with chariots and horses of fire.

Until now, Elijah has been a strong person to me, a capable person, a great prophet of God. Yet, upon reflecting on 1 and 2 Kings, I see Elijah as a frail person, a coward, someone who made God known through his weaknesses. Elijah, who was fed by ravens at the Kerith Ravine, who overcame the drought in the home of the widow of Zarephath, who defeated and executed 850 priests who worshipped idols, who boldly and powerfully proclaimed to the king that he would die, was a courageous and capable prophet of God. But afterward, he hid in the wilderness, on mountaintops, and fled, begging to be killed out of fear.

Did God use Elijah because he was powerful and brave?

♧ God, may the path that all people take be a beautiful one! May it be met by chariots and horses of fire! Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of truth!