Elisha Succeeds Elijah
2 Kings 2:9-10, “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.”
With today’s passage, the famous and effective prophet Elijah is about to be taken to glory in dramatic fashion. In the process, the baton will be passed to his successor Elisha. He has requested a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. You should understand that he was not pleading for twice as much raw power as Elijah possessed or twice the “Spirit of God,” or anything of that nature. This is the language of inheritance. According to Old Testament law the firstborn son received a “double portion” of the father’s estate (Deut. 21:17). By using that phrase, Elisha is saying, in effect, “Make me your true heir—the one who carries on your prophetic office with the same Holy Spirit power that has rested on you.” Elisha asked to inherit Elijah’s prophetic mantle in full measure, receiving the Spirit’s enabling to continue—and even expand—the Lord’s work Elijah had begun.
Elisha’s request signals a desire for God’s ongoing work. Persistence and fidelity to a faithful mentor prepares one for greater responsibility and positions the servant to continue in prayer and service. Remember, that is not when faithfulness begins, but due to faithfulness that has already been exhibited and tested, new responsibility and authority is presented. Succession in this regard is not about ambition or competition but devotion to God’s work God’s way for God’s glory, which is always for the good of others.
No one lives alone, someone is always watching what we say, what we do, where we go and where we spend our time and money. It’s been said, “Show me a man’s bank account and I’ll show you where his heart is.” Elisha had spent time and witnessed Elijah’s faithfulness to the Lord. Elijah lived his faith and Elisha wanted to be just as faithful to God, even more so. Ask yourself, What am I passing on to my children, friends, coworkers and family? Do I have a mentor? AM I mentoring someone? I should have both.
Long for more of God’s Spirit, but pair that longing with faithful service and submission. Be available, consistent, and humble. God will provide a place of service and fruitfulness. Build into your life patterns of prayer, study, mentoring, visitation, private, and public worship. Serve under seasoned leaders. Be prepared to take on expanded roles with humility. Prayer: Lord, I desire more of Your Spirit—grant it as I serve faithfully, learn humbly, and persist in prayer. For the glory of Christ and in His name. Amen.
Today’s devotion has been written by Bro. Joshua Soliz, a member of Rodgers Baptist Church who is a LIFE Group teacher and regular preacher here.