Elisha, Elijah's apprentice prophet, picks up the staff of leadership and in frustration reenacts a great event in scripture (the parting of the red sea). He now walks through the river. You are intended to make note of this as it pertains to the history of Israel.
God also shows that the great leaders, like Elijah and Elisha, are ones that God works through. Everyone is desiring to see the spirit of Elijah....and God uses Elisha in the same way. A basic biblical principle at work here; God works God's power in people. Yes, those people are incredible....because God is incredible.
We all have had incredible leaders in our lives. It appears to me though that sometimes leaders get too much credit, myself included. When we see churches grow....it must be the pastor. When we depth of faith articulated in others.....it must be the pastor. When organizations experience prosperity....it must be the CEO. When schools are really good....it must be the principal. We can see the gift and miss out on the giver of the gifts.
It also happens that when great leaders retire, move, or die....the people miss their presence, their life, their spirit. And almost immediately here Elisha is recognized as carrying Elijah's spirit in him. Because it is God's spirit.
If you have an incredible leader in your life, in your church, in your organization or school; make sure you let them know it and give thanks to God for them.