The Prophet Elisha: All In

II Kings 2:9-14

Every ministry must come to an end. Though Elijah struggled with depression for a period, he had a very faithful ministry for God. One of his last jobs was to prepare his successor. That man would be Elisha. Before this, Elisha was a farmer. When Elijah went to him and called Elisha to follow him, Elisha not only obeyed, but killed his 12 oxen as a sacrifice to God. There was no looking back for this young man.

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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.” So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.

II Kings 2:9-14

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Elisha loved Elijah. That was certainly part of this story, but there was more. Elisha saw how God had worked mightily through Elijah's life of obedience and he wanted to do the same. So, when this time arrived and he would literally take up the mantle of Elijah, he wanted to do it right. When Elijah asked what he could do for Elisha, Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. He wanted to serve God faithfully too.

Being a prophet in Israel was not an easy task. Prophets were beaten, imprisoned, and killed. They were societal outcasts and often ignored. Elisha knew what he was asking but he wanted to serve God. So, he asked for what he needed to do the job. The prophet Zechariah recorded, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). Elisha understood that if he was going to be equipped to serve God like Elijah, he needed God's Spirit on his life.

This should be our prayer as well. If we are truly committed to serving God, we should pray to be fully equipped for the work. Yes, we have God's Spirit in us when we are saved but wisdom, faith, humility, and faithfulness are all things that grow in us. We need to pray that God gives us these things and seek for them in our lives. Solomon wrote:

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My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5

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Father, thank You for calling people from each generation to continue spreading Your word. I pray that we would all seek to be better equipped with Your Spirit and wisdom to do the work. Help us to have the desire like Elisha and to faithfully serve You no matter what challenges or opposition come our way.