A Double Portion

In my personal devotions, I’m now reading through Second Kings, and I happen to be pondering the ministry transition between Elijah and Elisha. In Chapter 2, Elisha is aware of what is about to happen: Elijah will exit the stage, in dramatic fashion, making room for Elisha to carry on the work of God’s ministry among the people. It’s almost like Solomon’s moment a century or so earlier: Elisha can ask for anything he wants. (I’m all ears at this point. How ’bout you?)

God is setting up something really cool here. He will provide the people with what they need in terms of spiritual leadership, but He will do so in such a way that it will be undeniable that He alone is sovereignly in control of everything. That’s as it should be, friends. In our right minds, we wouldn’t want it any other way.

So what does Elisha request? A “double portion” of the spirit of Elijah! In all honesty, that kind of stops me in my tracks.

Here’s my simple take on it, friends: Elisha wants God to do through him what Elisha has seen God do through Elijah. If you think I’m reading it wrong, please correct me.

I don’t think that Elisha is just asking for “twice as much,” though he certainly seems to be asking for all of the spiritual power that he can possibly receive. But I think that Elisha has in mind Deuteronomy 21:17, in the sense that Elisha might be empowered as the legitimate successor of Elijah. The job is already his, for all intents and purposes, but I think that Elisha is acknowledging that he simply can’t do the job in his own strength.

Though quite humbling, that’s a great place for you and me to be as well.

We are beginning a new and exciting season of ministry here at Green Hills Community Church, and I don’t think it’s accidental that I “just happen to be” at this point in my Bible reading. This gracious reminder from the Lord is nothing short of a divine appointment! If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to explore this a little further …

We need God to make us faithful. That’s really the deal, isn’t it? Elisha knows he can’t do it. We know we can’t do it. But we know who can.

We need God to make us bold. We might expect humble Elisha to pray something like: “God, I’ll be happy if You give me half the power of my predecessor.” We wouldn’t even question it. But that’s not what we see here. You and I need a good dose of holy boldness in what we ask of God for this present glorious season.

We need God to equip us. The Lord does not call us to a task only to leave us hanging. He intends to give us what we need to serve faithfully at our assigned post. Please join me, church family, in seeking Him for all of the wisdom and all of the spiritual gifts that we surely need for such a time as this. He is more than able.

We need God to bring our history to life. In the story I’ve been sharing with you, the backdrop is the Jordan River, which seems to be a focal point of much of Israel’s history. It represents the people’s journey with God, but it also represents the impossible: the things that never could have been accomplished without the power of the Spirit. (Parted any waters lately?) GHCC, this is your moment to remember the faithfulness of God! He has blessed you. He has provided for you. He has carried you. You are His.

We need God to have our back. That’s what God demonstrated miraculously here: “Like I was with Elijah, I will be with Elisha, and I will be with you.” Could there possibly be a more encouraging truth for us to contemplate right now? When we’re tempted to doubt the power and love of God, you and I need to remember the empty tomb!

We need God to plant us firmly in the gospel. Ultimately, the ministry of Elijah, the ministry of Elisha, and the ministry of the saints of Green Hills point to a far greater ministry. Kevin DeYoung writes: “The word of God is true. The good news of Jesus Christ has been recorded in the facts of history … we do not follow myths. We are not interested in stories with a nice moral to them. We are not helped by hoping in spiritual possibilities which we know to be historically impossible. These things in the gospel story happened.” Amen. Friends, let’s choose to stand together on the Word of God like never before.

We need God to help us show the world who’s in control! The watching world, by and large, is living in a sort of controlled chaos at the moment. Many are hurting. Many are struggling. Many are doubting. This is our moment to put our faith into practice and to lift high the only hope of the world. His name is Jesus, and He is nothing less than the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

We may not see chariots of fire or horses of fire in Green Hills – only the Lord knows – but, whatever kind of fire Christ has in mind for us, I want nothing less!

Pastor Charles