God’s Story... For My Life
Double the Power
Read 2 Kings 2:1-18
Then the group of prophets from Jericho came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?” “Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.”
Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.” But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together.
Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River. Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground!
When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”
“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.”
(2 Kings 2:5-10)
Reflect
Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (prophetic ministry). Deuteronomy 21:17 helps explain Elisha’s request. According to custom, the firstborn son received a double portion of the father’s inheritance (see Genesis 25:31). He was asking to be Elijah’s heir, or successor, the one who would continue Elijah’s work as leader of the prophets. But the decision to grant Elisha’s request was up to God. Elijah only told him how he would know if his request had been granted.
God granted Elisha’s request because Elisha’s motives were pure. His main goal was not to be better or more powerful than Elijah, but to accomplish more for God. If our motives are pure, we don’t have to be afraid to ask great things from God.
Respond
When we ask God for great power or ability, we need to examine our desires and get rid of any selfishness we find. To have the Holy Spirit’s help, we must be willing to ask. What request would you make of God?