Asking for the power of God

 Read 2 Kings 2. 

All the prophets in Judah knew that Elijah's ministry had come to a close.  Elisha would become his successor as Judah's leading spiritual prophet.  He closely followed Elijah as he anticipated the moment of transition.  The two traveled eastward to Bethel to Jericho to the Jordan River.  Crossing the river proved to be no problem.  Elijah just rolled up his outer garment and struck the water.  The two of them walked across on dry ground.  This is the second time this miracle occurred.  The first took place in Joshua 3.  Fifty other prophets of God, watching from a distance, witnessed the miracle. 

As the mentor prepared to leave, he asked Elisha, "What shall I do for you"?  Elisha wanted a double portion of Elijah's spirit.  Under the Old Testament law, the firstborn could receive a double portion of the inheritance.  But Elisha did not ask for an inheritance of an estate.  He wanted to continue the ministry with a double portion of God's power upon him. 

Elijah is one of two men in the Bible who do not have a recorded death.  In Genesis 5:24, Enoch "walked with God and was not for God took him".   Many would also include Moses.  However, there are several verses in the Bible that use the word dead or death concerning him. 

The confirmation of God's power upon Elisha was not only in witnessing Elijah’s ascension into heaven, but in the actions that followed.  It was not personal power but dependence upon the power of God indicating his spiritual leadership to everyone around him.  Those same fifty prophets watched as Elisha also parted the Jordan River. This marked the third time for this same miracle. 

Whenever God is visibly at work, expect the Evil One to also try to counter it or destroy it.  The test came almost immediately.  Young men, not children, treated Elisha with contempt.  This must be interpreted not only as verbal abuse (making fun of his appearance) but, even more, slandering the work of God and Elisha as a servant of God. 

In verse 14 Elisha asked, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?"  This was not asking for God's location.  No.  He anticipated God's intervention!  Where do we need His intervention today?