A Double Portion

“And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. 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.” II Kings 2:8-9

Elisha was Elijah’s servant for almost eight years. He had spent a great deal of time with Elijah. He had heard Elijah prophesy and had seen the miracles that he performed. When the time had come for Elijah to be taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha had one request. He wanted a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elisha did not ask for any earthly possession. He did not desire to have fame or popularity. He did not ask for wealth or position. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

What would you have asked for if you had been in Elisha’s situation? Would it have been something spiritual? Many people ignore their spiritual condition. They seem unconcerned about their attitudes and uninterested in accomplishing anything for God. Elisha had seen the spiritual example of Elijah, and he wanted to pattern his life after what he saw. It is interesting to note that Elisha performed twice as many miracles in his lifetime as Elijah did. Elisha’s experience demonstrates that if we want to experience spiritual blessings, we need to cultivate our spiritual desires.