Getting better all the time

Turn with me to 2 Kings 2 and let’s read verses 1-15… This chapter starts with Elijah being “taken up,” and ends with the hooligans of Bethel being “torn up.” Hence, some might say it is a very balanced chapter.

Verses 1-6: Somehow God had revealed to Elisha that Elijah would soon be departing this earth, and he was determined to follow him to the end. By this time Elisha knew that he was called to take up the mantle from Elijah [1 Kings 19:19], however, there was another reason he wanted to be around when Elijah departed for good. Hebrew tradition had it that when a person was dying he often pronounced a blessing on those around him, so Elisha was bent on getting everything that was on offer. Notice also how Elisha’s commitment was tested three times. I believe Elijah was exercising a fundamental spiritual principle. Your level of commitment to God will determine the measure of God’s commitment to you (specifically the anointing upon your life). God requires total commitment from you before you can experience profound manifestations of His Spirit.

Verses 8-16: The dividing of the Jordan was Elijah’s last prophetic sign. But notice, immediately after exhibiting God’s power, he turns to Elisha and asks, “Before I go, what can I do for you?” Elisha, realising that he did not have the capability to carry on the awesome ministry of Elijah, applies the principle of the first born to ask for a spiritual inheritance – “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” This is the right of a firstborn son and is later described as “the spirit of Elijah.” Elisha’s desire was to be a worthy successor, and this was evidenced by the fact that, whereas Elijah performed eight recorded miracles, he performed sixteen.

Notice, Elijah said it was not in his power to grant Elisha’s request, but then added a condition that was also out of his control. “If Elisha would see him depart, then his request would be granted.” I believe that Elijah had both faith in God and in his servant, and He was totally reliant on God’s faithfulness - even until the very end.

After tearing apart his own cloths in grief, Elisha returned to the east bank of the Jordan, struck the water with Elijah’s mantle, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” This did not express doubt or unbelief but merely afforded opportunity for God to show that He was with Elisha as He had been with Elijah. The very same “Spirit” was evident in both men’s lives.

The Holy Spirit was the author of Elijah’s prophetic gifts and the energising power of his miraculous ministry. And this anointing was passed on to Elisha. But you too have the Holy Spirit at work in and through you! So how come we are not seeing an abundance of signs and wonders today? Remember, Elijah performed a miracle and then asked what it is that he can give Elisha. In other words, what is it that Elisha desired more than anything else! Likewise, if you want the God of Elijah to perform miracles through you, you should ask for your spiritual inheritance [that is, the same anointing that was on Jesus Christ]. What’s more, you must sincerely desire the anointing and covet it more than anything else!

Therefore, the Lord may be asking many of you this very same question, “Ask, what I can do for you?”

Note, the prophet’s mantle was a symbol of the authority he had been given by God. So the first thing Elisha does is he tests it! He proceeds to perform the exact same miracle that he had witnessed with Elijah. How many of you have looked at the life of our Lord Jesus and in all sincerity declared, “Father, let the very same anointing that was on Your precious Son be upon me?” Thereafter, in faith stepped out and tested it! Understand, the “very same anointing” is not without measure, but it is without prejudice! Through the nine “Gifts” of the Holy Spirit there is always enough anointing to meet any given need at any given time! It is the degree of the need that determines the degree of anointing (as He wills).

Elisha took the authority which he knew came direct from God and tested it, saying, “Where is the God of Elijah?” And God was faithful to assure him that nothing had changed. In fact, it had only got better! Later in this chapter, Elisha purifies the water at the city believed to be Jericho, and this went one better than Elijah.

Jesus gave us ALL authority, and also the Keys of the Kingdom! How many of you have actually desired to use these instruments of divine power regularly, and how many of you have ever tested your authority? If you did, things would be getting better all the time!

Chris Demetriou, 18/08/2011