Elijah is convinced of the commitment, determination and dedication of Elisha. Therefore, he asks Elisha what else can he do for him before he is taken from this earth. And Elisha asks for a "double portion of Elijah's spirit". What is he asking for?
The Hebrew word for spirit is ruah. "In Old Testament terms, the ruah is not an individual soul or spirit. Rather, it is the creative energy of God." (The Renovare' Spiritual Formation Bible) It is sometimes translated 'wind'. This is the same word used in Genesis 1: 1 - 2 which says, "The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." It is that creative 'wind' that broods over the waters of chaos.
Psalm 104: 29 - 30 says, "When you take away their breath (ruah), they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit (ruah), they are created and you renew the face of the earth." Ruah is the very breath of life.
It seems that Elisha recognizes this energizing spirit in Elijah and knows it is the life of God. And so he asks for it - only in a double portion.
Before Jesus left this earth, He told His disciples "Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:4-5) In Acts 2, on the day of the Pentecost celebration in Jerusalem, this gift from the Father was realized. Do you remember the sound that accompanied the gift? A rushing wind! The creative wind that broods over the waters of our chaos. Peter preaches powerfully to the multitude that gathered that day - miraculously empowered by the spirit. As the crowd reacts to his words Peter says, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38-39)
Elisha witnessed the difference it made in a life to have this spirit of God, the very breath and life of God, flowing through a human being. Have you witness that miracle? Have you experienced that miracle? If you belong to Christ and answer "no" to those questions ... then I must ask, Why not?!
Perhaps it is time ... even past time ... for you, for me to ask for a double portion. Perhaps it is time ... even past time ... for the church to ask for a double portion. However, as I think on these things ... the issue is not getting more of the Spirit of God ... the issue is surrendering myself more fully so that the Spirit of God is free to work in and through my life.
I want to be like Elisha today. Lord, show me how to be more for You. How to have more of You. How to be more of Your woman in my little world today. Give me You ...
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