DEVOTION: A Double Portion ~ Jan Cline

Note from Shirley: On this special Friday, we take a look at one of the well-known figures of Old Testament times. Long before the physical birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, there was one man who was taken up to God in a whirlwind. What an incredible thing to witness. Before he went, he offered an amazing thing to his successor. Read about it in this devotional message by Jan Cline, and allow the Lord to speak into your heart this Easter time.

“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.”  2 Kings 2: 9

Elisha had been following Elijah around for some time. He had observed miracles and seen first hand the blessings of God on the life of this prophet. This follower knew Elijah had been promised by God he would be taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. He was the only prophet to be given an alternative to physical death.

As time for that big event approached, Elisha stuck as close as he could to his mentor, not wanting to miss anything. Elisha was to be Elijah’s successor as prophet, so Elijah decided to grant him a special request. I wonder if he was surprised at Elisha’s choice—a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

Elijah had built a legacy of faith and favor from God, and Elisha wanted to inherit this blessing. He didn’t ask to be left with riches or possessions, he wanted the blessing of powerful service. A double portion, please! He hungered for the kind of life that would draw others to God, and he was ready to do it without the comforts of the world. He took his new mission seriously.

I wish I could say I was 100% sure I wouldn’t sneak in a small request for riches or fame if I were Elisha. Most of us are too fond of the world we live in, and the desires of our hearts are not always for the things of God. Guess what, God knows that. He’s aware we often operate below our potential and gives us grace. But He waits for us to ask for the blessing. He longs to hear the words from our heart that we are ready for a double portion of his Spirit, ready to spread the good news of Jesus.

Pastor Craig Lauterbach writes in his book, The Father Revealed, “As Christians, when we enter into an intimate knowledge or oneness of knowledge with the Father, then we will begin to comprehend and draw from his glory. The secret is not getting more glory, but releasing the glory that is already at our disposal.”

Are you ready for a double portion? Are you ready to release the glory God is waiting to share with you? Read, pray, listen, share. Stick close to God so you can succeed at the mission. If you enlarge the capacity of your heart and mind, God will fill them with a larger portion than you thought possible.

Let's Pray: Father, show me how to enter into oneness of knowledge with you. I pray You will help me be ready for the mission you have in store for me. Bring the harvest, Lord.

OVER TO YOU: What is preventing you from asking for a double portion?

Jan Cline is an author and speaker from the Pacific Northwest, USA. She is also founder and director of the Inland NW Christian Writers conference and leads a writers group in her area. You may learn more about her at www.jancline.net.

Author of A Heart Out of Hiding
Also available on Amazon