Elisha - Pt 5

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. (2 Kings 2:9-12 ESV). I have distant cousins who are world famous bakers. The Termini Brothers Bakery, based in Philadelphia is known for their Italian pastries, breads, and especially cannoli. We had the opportunity to stay in Philadelphia not long ago in the hotel just across from one of their locations. Each morning I would walk across the street as soon as they were open and get Mary a fresh muffin and a box of cannolis. Of course, I couldn’t eat just one! I had to have my “double-portion.” That’s the sort of thing we think of when we read about the “double portion.” But this is to misunderstand our story. When Elisha asked for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit, he was not asking for twice as much spirit as Elijah had. Rather, this phrase has to do with inheritance. Fathers would divide their property equally among all their sons but would add an extra “portion.” So if they had four sons, they would divide their property into five shares. The eldest son would get the “double portion,” to which he was entitled by birth. So Elisha doesn’t ask Elijah for twice as much divine power as he had. He’s asking Elijah to consider him his eldest son and to give him the inheritance set apart for the heir. We too have received the “double portion” of God’s Spirit and are co-heirs with Christ. This is the incredible picture of just one of the amazing things about the gift of God through the work of Christ in our being adopted and becoming children of God. Though Jesus is the only rightful heir, the first-born, he has given to us a “double-portion.” This extends into every part of the blessing and benefit of being a child of God. He withholds nothing from us; and, nothing can separate us from that blessing. Typically this is most important to me when I am facing some difficulty or challenge in life. You may be in that position today. It may be in a relationship, your health, or financial in nature. Whatever you are facing you can be assured of the having the full attention and resource of God himself to face it with. Take that next step knowing that you can trust him to deliver you safely to your journey’s end. He will see you through victoriously.