Tuesday 11 September 2007
- Bible Book:
- 2 Kings
"When they had crossed (the Jordan), Elijah said to Elisha, 'Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you'. Elisha said, 'Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit'. (v.9)
Background
Elijah was one of the most famous of the Hebrew prophets or holymen. There are many stories of miracles he performed and thecourageous challenges he presented to the corrupt and cruel KingAhab and his court, who worshipped Baal (a local thunder deity)rather than the God of Israel.
He is often shown having to act in isolation, pitting himselfagainst powerful political opponents, standing up for the powerlesspeople and trusting in God alone. Elijah experienced a classicvision of God, not as earthquake, wind or fire, but as a 'stillsmall voice'. These stories appear in
Aware that he was nearing death, Elijah, accompanied by hisdisciple Elisha, paid a farewell visit to the prophetic communitiesat Gilgal, Bethel and Jericho.
The two prophets then crossed the Jordan, its waters being drivenback miraculously so that a passage was provided; and from hisdying teacher and mentor, Elisha asked for a double portion of hisprophetic power. This gift of a double portion was normallyreserved for the firstborn.
Elijah responds by telling Elisha that if he sees the vision of histranslation then he is indeed worthy to receive the gift - theimplication being that spiritual gifts can be transmitted only tothose that are worthy and fit to receive them.
To Ponder
Are you open to receive the gifts of the Spiritand willing to take the risks involved in any action these mightinspire?
God might be asking you to relinquish a task tosomeone else. How are you offering to be a mentor to others?