Scripture
Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”
Observation
Elijah undertakes a final journey visiting significant sites in Israel's faith history. Elisha travels with him.
At each place a group of local prophets foretells Elijah impending removal from the earth.
Elisha asks Elijah for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah promises that if he sees him taken away, Elisha will receive it.
Finally a fiery chariot comes and Elijah is taken up. Elisha catches Elijah's cloak and strikes the river with it, causing the water to part.
Application
This passage is all about inheritance and the father-son relationship.
Elisha is the faithful son to Elijah. He loves him so much that he is distressed by the repeated prophecies of Elijah's imminent departure.
When Elijah asks him what he wants, Elisha asks for inheritance- the double portion is the eldest son's inheritance.
Elisha wants to receive from Elijah the blessing and the spiritual wealth of his spiritual father.
When the whirlwind snatches Elijah up, Elisha calls out to him “Father, father.”
Elisha inherits the double portion and in fact there are twice as many miracles attributed to Elisha as there are for Elijah
Prayer
Father help me to be a true spiritual son like Elisha. Grant me the grace to be a spiritual father like Elijah.
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Amen!!
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