‘Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.’
– Charles Stanley
A Double Portion
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you? “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”
2 Kings 2:9-10
Receiving a ‘Double Portion’ is very significant in the Bible. The first born of the children of Israel received a double portion of their father’s inheritance. According to the Word, it is part of the rights of the first born (Deuteronomy 21:17). In the unique case of Hannah, she was given a double portion because her husband Elkanah loved her greatly even though she could not bear a child for him, as the Lord had closed her womb.
Revelation 18:1-6 speaks about another kind of double portion; the wrath and judgment that God will pay back to Babylon according to her deeds (Babylon is symbolic of worldliness).
Elisha wanted to inherit a double portion as well. However it was not a double portion of wealth or fame that he wanted, but a double measure of God’s spiritual anointing. Elisha’s desire did not rise out of selfishness. but out of knowing his master Elijah was leaving; he wanted to continue to serve the Lord and carry on Elijah’s important ministry. Elisha knew he needed this anointing in order to uphold the mantel of Elijah’s work. The most important lesson that we can learn from this passage is the process of preparation before we take on the responsibility of any ministry.
Elijah takes him through Gilead, Bethel, Jericho and finally the river Jordan, where he is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. All these places were very significant in the life of Elijah and we will study them in our devotions. As for today let us learn to prepare ourselves before we take on any responsibility, asking the Lord to give us the strength and His knowledge to carry out His work wisely.
Dear Lord,
I want to be a vessel unto You. Teach me Your paths and prepare me so that I can be used for Your glory. Amen.
God bless you,
Theo and Manju