In

our journey to understand Ascension Day, we need to stop and overhear

this exchange between the prophet Elijah and his successor, Elisha.

Three times Elijah notes that he is on a journey.

The

first stop is Bethel, where Jacob had his dream of a ladder

connecting heaven and earth and angels ascending and descending on it

(Genesis 28:10-22). The second stop is Jericho, remembered as the

first place of battle when the people of God entered the promised

land (Joshua 5:13-6:27). The third stop is the Jordan River, which

the people crossed on dry ground to ­enter the promised land

(Joshua 3:1-17); this was also where John the Baptist would

baptize people, including Jesus (Mathew 3:13-17).

At

each stop Elijah says, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me.” And

Elisha responds, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I

will not leave you.”

The

journey ends, though, when chariots and horses of fire separate

Elisha from his master and Elijah goes up to heaven in a whirlwind.

Elisha not only sees this happen, but he also takes up the cloak of

Elijah, which God allows him to use in parting the waters of the

Jordan River again on his way back to Jericho. Just as Joshua was

appointed to follow Moses, it’s clear that Elisha was appointed to

follow Elijah. The mission of God continues.