I could use a double

A “through the bible” devotion from 2 Kings 2.

Elisha has big shoes to fill. His mentor Elijah predicts a drought, and it happens! Three years later, Elijah prays and it rains. Elijah not only humiliates, but destroys all the prophets of Baal. Brings King Ahab to his knees in repentance. Fire consumes his sacrifice on Mt. Carmel. Fire consumes detachments of soldiers sent to bring him to King Ahaziah.

When it’s time for a whirlwind to take Elijah to heaven, he says to Elisha, “Ask me what I should do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” (2 Kings 2:9)

It’s not that Elisha feels like half the prophet Elijah was. He’s thinking as a Hebrew man who knows the law of Moses. According to Deuteronomy 21:17, the firstborn son receives a double portion of the inheritance. This more than a teacher-student relationship. Elijah has been – and will always be – like a father to Elisha.

What a great reminder that I can never ask too much of my heavenly Father. He’s always ready to do more than I ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20)!