Now it came about when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”
And 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.”
A double inheritance was given to the first born in the family, and this is what Elisha is apparently asking for, but it was not Elijah’s to give. Only if the Lord allowed Elisha to see Elijah taken would he be given this “double portion.”
Vs. 11-13
Then it came about as they were going along and talking, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to Heaven.
And Elisha saw it and cried out, “My Father, my Father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan.
So Elisha did see Elijah taken, and God granted him that “double portion.” I haven’t counted, but I’ve heard that Elisha performed twice as many miracles than Elijah had.
Such a dramatic exit! I don’t think Hollywood will ever out-dramatize our God.
O my Father, You are so magnificent! You do what no on else can ever do. You perform all Your will, and no one can say anything to you about it. You have all authority to do whatever You want, and what You want to do is always good, the best.
Thank You so much for Who you are. You alone are God, no matter how many other gods men and angels choose to worship. You alone are worthy of all worship, all praise and honor and credit for everything You have made and accomplished.
And You are Love. All You have done in Creation and in managing and ruling what You made comes from Love. Even when You must judge and extract vengeance, it all is because your Love is righteous and just.
Thank You, Father, for chosing me, and allowing Your Son to take my place on that Altar of Atonement, the Cross at Calvary, to pay my sin-debt, and wash me as white as snow. And make me Your princess, to one Day rule with You on Your Throne in Your everlasting, eternal Kingdom.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
