2 Kings 2:9-14
Verse 9:
„And it came to pass, when they were gone
over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for
thee, before I be taken away from, thee. And Elisha said, I
pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me."
The event which is being talked about took place at a time,
when Israel only knew their God on account of stories from the
past. The relationship of the Israelites to God was reduced
to traditions and customs. Most of them did things which completely
displeased the Lord (e.g. idol worship). They lived like the
heathen and not like the people of God!
It had already been almost 25 years in which Elijah had faithfully
served the Lord and the people of God, and now the time had
come for his end. Among all the disciples who were prophets,
Elisha was the only one who was closest to Elijah, and for whom
it was not too much to do the work of the Lord. Elisha would
be a good follower as history shows us later on.
The task was greater...
Elisha understood his task and knew that, his capabilities and
power would not be enough to bring a whole nation nearer to
the will of God and cause them to turn away from their evil
works. He would very soon take the place of his teacher and
he realized that he needed the anointing of God. The usual and
just the ordinary would not be sufficient for the task awaiting
him. It was time for more! Therefore, this is the reason for
his reply to the question of his teacher who asked what he could
still do for him, he answered, "I would like to have a
double portion of your anointing."
Their spiritual eyes and ears are open
While both of them are walking they sense that a special wind
is approaching; they hear it blowing and they see the fiery
chariot with which Elijah travels to heaven. It all happens
very fast, nevertheless, Elijah can still hear his faithful
friend who is calling after him. As a final gesture of friendship
he throws his mantle down, Elijah knew that his best friend
would achieve more than he had himself. Elisha grabs the mantle
and looks at his mentor for a last time; he will no longer need
his old mantle, therefore, he rips it into two pieces.
The coat of the prophet
On the way back, Elisha takes the mantle and hits the water
of the Jordan with it so that it parts, and then he crosses
to the other side without getting his feet wet. That was his
confirmation! The pupil becomes a master and he receives a much
deeper spiritual insight than before. The situation in Israel
was unchanged at the beginning, however, he becomes more and
more renown. He performs double so many miracles as his mentor
and serves double so long as Elijah.
It was time for more...
If Elisha had not asked for a double anointing, then only half
of the many miracles would have occurred, and his influence
on the people would not have been as great. Nobody would have
written those other miracles down. His prayers were heard and
the supernatural power of God manifested itself through Elisha.
For us today, the question certainly could be asked: "What
will be written about us?" ...it is time for more!
rw 
