2 Kings 2:14.
These words from the lips of Elisha were not the expression of doubt in his heart concerning the existence of the true God, or the calling in question of God's interest in him. No doubt the events through which he just passed dominated his thoughts, and controlled his actions. He had just been parted from Elijah by the chariot and horses of fire, and seen his master ascending to heaven by a whirlwind. He had rent his own garments in two pieces, and taken up the mantle of Elijah, which fell from him: having also received the promise of a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Time and again Elisha had shown his great devotion to the prophet of Jehovah, refusing to be parted from him either by Elijah saying "Tarry thou here," or by the intervention of the sons of the prophets.
God had taken His servant away, and Elisha was left alone in circumstances where human aid could avail nothing. There was no Elijah to part the waters for him on the return journey, but he is conscious that if his Master has gone, his Masters God remains: and it is to Him he cries in his time of need. Hitherto he had been supported by the faith of Elijah; now in his hour of crisis he must have personal dealings with God, and prove that the God Who heard his master would hear him also.
The cry "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" was a cry of faith; the expression of confidence in the God of the man who had gone to heaven. Yet it was hardly the expression of a faith that had long known God in personal intimacy and communion. He called on Elijah's God; he was not yet able to say with Paul "My God" (Phil. 4:19). God heard his cry, even if it was in feeble faith; and the waters are parted for Elisha to pass over the second time. How this incident would strengthen his faith in God, and prepare him for what lay ahead.
It was a different Elisha the sons of the prophets now met. He had seen his master go to heaven; he had Elijah's mantle and a double portion of his spirit; he had proved through faith the power of God in opening the dark waters of death.
Has not this a voice for us today? As passing through this world God would have us ever conscious that the Lord Jesus Christ has entered heaven: we are to be occupied with Him there, knowing that we have passed through the waters of death and are risen with Christ (Col. 3:1-3). He desires to have us come out in testimony for Himself bearing the features of Christ, having put off the old man, and having put on the new (Col. 3:9-14); manifesting the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Man Who has gone to heaven (Phil. 1:19); and living day by day through faith that confides in Him, not only because of what we have known Him to be for others, but because of what we have proved Him to be in our own circumstances, so that we can say, "My God."