2 Kings 2:11-12 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire… In various ways we become associated in life — similarity of tastes in art pursuits, in literature, in polities, trade, religion. Sometimes, having travelled, we meet with some companion to whose soul ours is knit so long as life lasts. It is only natural that we should like companionship. Few men are fitted to live alone. Long-continued solitude is irksome; we become bored with self. I. A SUITABLE COMPANIONSHIP ON A HEAVENWARD JOURNEY. "They two went on." The union between the two had been appointed by God. II. LISTEN TO ELEVATING CONVERSATION BETWEEN HEAVENWARD TRAVELLERS. The text tells us that as they journeyed they "talked." On what subject? Evidently it was concerning Elijah's departure. Both found it "greatly wise," not only to speak with the past, but to talk of the future. We should speak sometimes of the ending of life, not that we may become gloomy, but that we may realise the value of life — its seriousness and its far-reaching effects. The telegraph clerk holds in his hands, when at the dial plate, the power to communicate a wish at the distance of thousands of miles; and thus we hold in our hands the character of a life that shall extend deep down into the ages of eternity. Hence we should he most anxious as to the correctness of our aims in the present, and desirous that holy influence should not be lost in the hereafter. Words may flash along wires, and convey no meaning; music may flit from a string, and die in the distance; but the message and music of life should have meaning and volume, vibrating along the wires of immortal being. III. WE HAVE NOW TO WITNESS THE SUDDEN SEPARATION BETWEEN HEAVENWARD COMPANIONS. "As they still went on and talked, behold! there appeared horses of fire and a chariot of fire, and parted them both asunder." The ending was anticipated, yet sudden. What sort of companionship have we in our heavenward journey? What is the general tenor of our conversation as we journey? What sort of hope have we concerning the end of our journey? What state awaits us? (F. Hastings.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. |
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