Scripture Readings

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Composite 14 - 3 [1] Kings 19:19, 20, 21; 4 [2] Kings 2:1,6-14 (Vespers, 3rd reading)

1
In those days, Elijah found Elisha the son of Shaphat, and he was plowing with oxen. And Elijah went to him and cast his mantle upon him. And Elisha left the oxen, and ran after Elijah and ministered to him.
2
And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take Elijah up in a whirlwind, as it were, into heaven, Elijah and Elisha went out from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, “Tarry here, then, for the Lord has sent me as far as the Jordan.” And Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and your soul lives, I will not leave you.” And they both went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went also, and they stood opposite afar off; but Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and rolled it up, and smote the water; and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and they both went over on dry ground.
3
And it came to pass when they had gone over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken up from you.” And Elisha said, “Let there be, then, a double portion of your spirit upon me.” And Elijah said, ‘You have asked a hard thing. If you shall see me when I am taken up from you, then shall it be so for you; and if you do not see me, it shall not be so.”
4
And it came to pass as they went on and talked. And, behold, a chariot of fire, and horses of fire! And they separated the two of them. And Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, as it were, into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, “Father! Father! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his garments and rent them into two pieces.
5
And Elisha took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen upon his head. And Elisha went back and stood upon the bank of the Jordan. And Elisha took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen upon his head, and smote the waters, but they were not parted. And Elisha said, “Where now, is the God of Elijah, He also?” And Elisha smote the waters a second time, and the waters parted; and he went over on dry land.