The time came for Adonai to take Eliyahu up into heaven in a whirlwind. Eliyahu and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal, when Eliyahu said to Elisha, “Please wait here, because Adonai has sent me all the way to Beit-El.” But Elisha said, “As Adonai lives, and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Beit-El. … Eliyahu said to him, “Elisha, please wait here, because Adonai has sent me to Yericho.” He replied, “As Adonai lives, and as you live, I will not leave you.” … Eliyahu said to him, “Please wait here, because Adonai has sent me to the Yarden.” He replied, “As Adonai lives, and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.
(2 Kings 2:1-6 CJB)
The two came by 3 historically important cities: Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho, before crossing the Jordan and Elijah being caught away. It seems as if these 3 cities often lay on the way to God’s promises and our desires, and our reactions and decisions there influence whether we get what we long for. For Elisha this was a double portion of his spiritual father’s annointing.
What are the 3 cities?
Gilgal – a place of religion with no power
Gilgal was were the supernatural provision of God stopped. Manna ceised after they reached the promissed land. How often, after we got our promise, do we endure a time of drought, a powerless time it seems. Just like Jesus, who was, right after his baptism and glorious affirmation by the Father, led into the wilderness.
Bethel – a place of decision
Jacob decided in Bethel, to serve the Lord and give his tithe, if the Lord protected him. After a time there will be a test. Jacob had just lost everything, and still decided to serve the Lord.
Jericho – a place of war
After 40 years in the desert, after manna ceised, the people of Israel found out that they had to fight for the promised land. Their first fight was at Jericho.
Jordan – entering your promiss
It was only after not letting go in these 3 distinct places – lack of power, hard decision, raging war – that Elisha had his desires met. So, where ever you are at the moment, be it in dry land or facing a decision or fighting war, don’t give up!