Elijah Rides to Heaven

Elijah had been serving God for a long time. Now it was almost time for him to go to heaven. His helper Elisha knew it was coming.

'You should stay here,' Elijah said to Elisha.

'No way!' said Elisha. 'I'm staying with you!'

They walked together. Other people who loved God came to Elisha and whispered, 'You know Elijah is leaving today, right?'

'I know,' said Elisha. 'Shh!'

Elijah kept trying to send Elisha home. But Elisha wouldn't leave. He loved Elijah and wanted to be with him until the very end.

They came to a river. Elijah rolled up his coat and hit the water—SPLASH! The water split in two and they walked across on dry ground!

'What do you want me to do for you before I go?' Elijah asked.

'I want to be twice as powerful as you for God!' said Elisha.

'That's a big thing to ask,' said Elijah. 'If you SEE me go to heaven, you'll get it.'

They kept walking and talking. Then suddenly—WHOOOOSH! A chariot made of FIRE with horses made of FIRE came down from the sky! A big whirlwind picked Elijah up, and he went UP, UP, UP to heaven!

Elisha saw it all! 'My father! My father!' he cried.

Elijah's coat fell down. Elisha picked it up. He walked back to the river and hit the water with the coat—SPLASH! The water split just like before!

Now everyone knew: Elisha had received power from God. He was ready to serve God just like Elijah had.

Elijah didn't die—he went straight to heaven! And Elisha carried on his important work.