Ready to receive your double portion? We’re not talking about a double-scoop or second helping, either. Let me explain…
I recently read the story in 2 Kings 2: 1-18 about how the prophet Elijah was “taken up” by God, not physically dying an earthly death like other prophets of the Bible. He wasn’t the only one, either. Enoch, who wrote the Book of Enoch (not currently in the canonical Bible), was the great-great-grandfather of Noah and a direct descendant of Adam. God also took him. You can read more about it here in Genesis 5:18-24.
Elijah or Elias (Greek name) lived in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab, as found in the Books of Kings 1 and Kings 2.
What do these two prophets, Elijah and Enoch have in common? Their unwavering faith and belief in God. Did they make mistakes like you and I during their lifetime? Absolutely! The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that we, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
So, what am I getting at, you may ask? Hold that thought. Elijah had a protégé named Elisha, who would become his successor. Elisha followed Elijah everywhere with an abiding hunger and a learning for God. In 2 Kings 2, we read that Elijah is trying to get away from Elisha because it’s his time to leave, but Elisha doesn’t want him to go.
Knowing that the time had come for God to receive him, Elisha asked a very bold question to Elijah. He wanted a “double-portion” of his wisdom and spirit so he could carry on Elijah’s divine legacy. Elisha believed in Elijah because Elijah truly trusted God, which also made Elisha trust in the Lord God. Now that’s faith!
Psst… Sidenote. I promise, it will all come together. Did you know we have an average of 4000 weeks of life? If we live to at least 76 years old. 4000 weeks! To some, that might be a lot. To others, it’s way too short. Either way, it begs the question: How do we spend that time? You see, we are each given the same 24 hours a day. How you use it is up to you, right?
What are you focusing on? What are you pouring into? What are you wasting your time on? These questions and more should be swirling in your mind daily. Elisha wanted a double portion of Elijah’s gift to use for the remaining time of his own life. His purpose was to glorify God by honoring Elijah.
If you believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and profess that you are a Christian, then what are you doing in your life to advance the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth?
Wouldn’t you want the double portion of gifts and talents that Jesus clearly stated we have in Matthew 28:16-20 and Mark 16: 14-20.
You may say, what is my portion? Get on your knees and ask. As believers, we’re all one body and members of Christ. Read more about it in 1 Corinthians 12:12-28.
Why are you living lukewarm? Are you afraid of sharing your faith? Other religions openly share their faith. Stop being afraid of insulting or OFFENDING people. When you speak TRUTH, which is the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word), as described in Ephesians 6:10-20, you don’t have to fear. Jesus specifically tells us in Mark 5:36, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
Revelation 3:15-16, tells us that if you’re not “hot” for Jesus, He will spit you out. You see, we need to live on fire for Jesus and use what God has given to each of us for the good and glory of God.
Don’t waste your life. Remember that “average” 4000 weeks? What are you going to do with that time?
May you gladly find your double portion.
( Image by Pete from Pixabay and Image by SilviaEmilie from Pixabay)
