2 Kings 2:9

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”  

2 Kings 2:9

If God were to tell you that you could have anything you asked for, what would it be?  That would be a tough decision because I imagine we would all, at least for a moment, think of something that would benefit and bless us greatly, and more likely something that would make our lives easier. Elisha was given this opportunity as his mentor Elijah was about to be taken up into heaven and this young apprentice was about to become the next prophet of Israel. But Elisha wisely asks for something internal not external: not power, nor zeal, nor eloquence, nor the ability to work miracles.  

Elisha could have asked for anything at this point but he remembered the spiritual state of Israel and knew that as the next prophet he would be facing opposition. He looked at his master and knew that he was half the man Elijah was so he asked for twice the anointing. Notice his request was for the sake of others not himself.  If he was going to stand in the gap for this wicked nation, he would need an extra measure of God’s grace.  

What will you ask of the Lord for your life today? “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”  Zechariah 4:6

Carefully considering my response,    

Pastor Gerard Deleeuw