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The Double Portion
Contributed by James May on Dec 13, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: If we want to experience the double portion of God’s power and anointing we should follow the example of Elisha.
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Pastor James May
The Double Portion
2:1 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
2:2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.
2:3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.
2:4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.
2:5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.
2:6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
2:7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
2:8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
2:9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
2:10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.
2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
The word had spread. One of the greatest events of the entire Old Testament was about to take place. Either through the revelation of God to His prophets or by word of mouth, the news was spread that Elijah, the great prophet of God, would soon be taken away in a whirlwind. This was to be no secret exit. He would be taken away in plain view of those who were willing to pay the price to see him go.
God never hides His blessings from His children and from the faithful. He reveals Himself to all who would seek after Him.
Even in the New Testament we read where God will open the mysteries of His word to all that knock at the doors of Heaven; that He will reveal the secrets to those who will diligently seek after His will and He will give great blessings to all who will only ask.
In this scripture portion Elisha, the student of Elijah, is determined to get God’s best for his life. He was willing to stay the course until God would grant him a double portion of the spirit that was upon Elijah.
Deuteronomy 21:17 But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.
