And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces.
Other than it showing great sorrow and loss, I feel that we can learn something more from Elisha's tearing of his clothes. Indeed, he must be very upset that his teacher was taken away from him, but I think at the same time, he realised his commission then - which was to carry on what his teacher had done. It was also something that he desired to do, when he asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit to be upon himself.
After Elijah was taken up to heaven, we saw Elisha tearing his own clothes and then picked up the mantle that Elijah had left behind.
Clothes are what we wear on us and they signify our lives. We can also gauge a person's personality by the clothes that he chooses to wear. Therefore, Elisha's tearing of his clothes, and later taking up Elijah's mantle, can symbolise one's putting off one's own life and taking up the role of another. Elisha was chosen by God to succeed Elijah, and he understood and desired that himself. Have we tore our own clothes and picked up the mantle of Jesus? Have we asked for a double portion from God?
"that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph 4:22-24)"
Also, another interesting point in 2Ki 2:20,
And he said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him.
Why was a new bowl needed? My thoughts are related to the idea of purity and holiness. I think in order for the salt to be useful, it has to be first undefiled and therefore Elisha requested for a new bowl. However, we must remember that God is ultimately the one who healed the water.
The teaching for us is that, in order for us to be useful in God's work, we must first be undefiled and holy. But how can we be made new again? By the blood of Christ. At the time of baptism, our impurities are cleansed away and after baptism, we are continually cleansed by His blood when we come before Him in repentance. By His blood, all sin-stained souls can be washed and cleansed to be made like brand new. And when we are pure, we can be useful vessels for God.
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. (Mat 5:13)"
Remember also that we are the salt of Christ. Let us not lose our flavour by putting ourselves in unclean bowls lest we become good for nothing.
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