Elijah's departure from this world was spectacular. His 'exodus' mirrored that of Enoch in Genesis and that of Jesus and Mary. Elijah was fully aware that his time had come, and it did not disturb him in the least. Elisha was a bit greedy - he asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Surprisingly, it was granted, although it would come with strife and struggle. Perhaps this teaches us that we should not hesitate to ask God for the gift of the spirit, but only so that it can be used for humble service rather than for exalting the self.

There is a similar caution in the teaching of Jesus. He warns against letting religious practice become a source of pride and arrogance, which is a weakness in all religions. Do your good deeds quietly and secretly, and pray out of the public eye. We should live to please God and not to be praised by others. Our faith is not to inflate the ego but to expand the heart and soul.