Year of the Bible: Part Six of Twelve Sampel

Elisha

Elisha was Elijah’s successor, and his process of attaining that title was interesting. Elisha asked Elijah for a double portion of the anointing God had given him. David Pawson explains that the double portion was not just double the miracles and twice the prophetic messages. Rather, it was a phrase taken from inheritance customs in Israel. If a man with six sons were to die, the inheritance would have been divided into seven parts. The oldest son would be the heir and receive two portions of the inheritance so he could carry on the family business and have money to invest in that business. So, Elisha was asking to be Elijah’s heir. We know that he received the honor he had asked for, and God confirmed the anointing.

It is interesting to note that the scripture detailed seven miracles that Elijah was part of and then showed 14 miracles that Elisha performed. He got a double portion of inheritance, anointing, and miracles. Elisha’s request was not for a double portion to serve himself but to help him be more effective in ministry. His request was in accordance with God’s plan for his life.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the relationship between Elijah and Elisha is how they foreshadowed people who were still to come. David Pawson notes that these two Prophets were very different. Elijah was a fighter and a preacher who challenged the people. Elisha’s ministry was more pastoral. Elijah’s ministry seemed to model more of what John the Baptist was like, while Elisha ministered in a way similar to Jesus.

The double portion that Elisha received enabled him to minister differently than Elijah. Just as John the Baptist paved the way for Jesus, Elijah established a foundation for Elisha to encourage many.

Question: Elisha asked for more according to the will God had already determined for him. What has God anointed you to do? How can you pray according to God’s will to accomplish more for the Kingdom of God?

Prayer: Ask God for the portion you need to receive so you can accomplish His will in your life and for His glory.