As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven.” vs. 11
2 Kings 2:9-12
Some have suggested that this little story from the Hebrew scriptures is an ancient account of an alien abduction, that the chariot of fire was a spacecraft of some sort, and that Elijah was carried off to some unknown planet in a faraway galaxy. While that claim is unlikely to be true, it is true that this story had an enormous influence on messianic expectations. By the time of Jesus, it was widely believed that Elijah would return to prepare the way for the coming of the messiah. During his ministry some were convinced that Jesus was Elijah but many more pointed to John the Baptist. During the Passover meal five cups of wine would often be prepared, but only four would be drunk. The fifth was the Elijah Cup and it was poured in anticipation of Elijah’s coming. Some believe that this is the cup Jesus shared with his disciples at the Last Supper. This means that for many Christians there is an Elijah connection each time they participate in Holy Communion. As they drink from the cup they are offering a toast to Elijah, and remembering the strong sense of anticipation that is a part of daily living for followers of Jesus. Life is good now, but the best is yet to come.
Thought for the Day: What is yet to come for me?
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