Why ask for a double portion?

Elisha was a miracle worker—no doubt about it. He was a man of God. His ministry set a precedent for us to recognize the miracle working ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Scripture documents miraculous events with world class leaders and with widows who had nowhere else to turn. But, scripture doesn’t really give me any indication if Elisha struggled with his calling or if he was an emotional wreck before, during or after a miracle was successfully accomplished. I don’t get a sense of whether or not his life was an emotional rollercoaster or whether his spiritual life took a turn for the worse at all. I get the idea that Elisha was the kind of leader that all of us hope to be when the going gets tough. He’s the General Patton in the midst of the cataclysmic battle. I would spend some time with him—to learn and listen. So did a lot of other young leaders. Scripture doesn’t give us a job description for Elisha—all that we really know is that he asked Elijah for a double portion of his Spirit. Why ask for a double portion? Elisha’s heart was committed to the next generation. 

What am I doing to spiritually train the next generation?

It seems to me that Elisha devoted much of his time and attention to training of young prophets and preachers. Many of the next generation leaders were formed into schools and designated "the sons of the prophets," which in the Hebrew language would emphasize the nature of their calling which contained no reference to their ancestry. There was one group at Bethel and another at Jericho (2 Kings 2:3, 5) and yet another at Gilgal (2 Kings 4:38). It is from the last reference we learn that Elisha was accustomed to pitch his tent with them for a while and preach or teach them, as their "sitting before him” signifies. (Deuteronomy 33:3; Luke 2:46; 10:39) From the repeated mention of "the people" in this connection (2 Kings 4:41-42), we could gather that these seminaries also served as more general places of congregating where the committed in Israel gathered together for worship and to receive great teaching and encouragement through the servant Elisha. I imagine that Elisha was the beloved Dean of Students or the Superstar Superintendent of these schools. He was a major influencer of his time and it is evident from his students that they loved him. The next generation prophets rightly considered him as “the man of God" (2 Kings 4:40) and a “master." (2 Kings 6:5)

An Incident Takes Place at School

Before Elisha left the tranquil rolling hills and the comfort of his adoring fans, an incident took place. The company of prophets declared their meeting place was too small and they wanted to expand. They invited Elisha to accompany them and he obliged. So, Elisha and the company of prophets arrived at the Jordan. This river is deeply symbolic and holds tremendous power in the lives of the People of Israel. I have termed it as the ‘water of identity.’ (If you find anyone else who termed it first—give them credit.) But, going to the Jordan releases spiritual power that reveals God in miraculous and personal ways. Crossing the Jordan was a significant display of trust for the People as they inherited the Promised Land. Now, returning to the Jordan for building materials was significant. The company wanted to expand. They wanted to build something greater. What could the next generation do that would be greater? How would the next generation experience the presence of God? Would they one day remember Elisha with fondness as someone who helped them achieve all they needed to achieve for God….even more importantly, would the double portion last?

While hard at work, one of the prophets whacked at a tree and the next thing he heard was a heavy ‘Kursploosh’ into the water. The iron ax head fell into the water. (2 Kings 6:5)

It’s a strange set of circumstances. Weird. Prophetic. The ax head was sharp and made of iron. It sank into the waters of the Jordan. To make matters worse—it was borrowed.

Something borrowed.

Most of us don’t allow other people to borrow our stuff. Why? When we borrow something from someone—there is an expectation of returning the item to it’s owner exactly like we received it—or in better condition than we received it. Trust has been developed between two parties. Borrowing something reveals there is a level of relationship and reciprocation. Borrowing something expensive and significant implies you know the price and are willing to pay it if something were to go wrong. There is an expectation that you will care as deeply about what you borrowed as I do. But, if you lose something that was important to me—we are BOTH in a position of loss. You for losing it and me for giving it to you in the first place. How far are you willing to go to restore that which is lost? What if that which is lost belongs to someone else…would you help search? Do you help search? 

Restoration is key. 

Elisha did something miraculous in order to save that which was lost. Perhaps the moment with Elisha alongside the Jordan became a teaching moment between generations. It is certainly a significant transition between an anointed leader and a next generation member of the company of prophets. We might recognize this incident as a transitional moment much like when John the Baptist acquiesced his role in order for the Messiah to be recognized. Elisha’s behavior is a lot like Jesus. Both were willing to search for what was lost. We discover something impactful and profound--Jesus saves people that were lost. Jesus goes to greater lengths than anyone would imagine to find lost people. Miracles help us remember who actually does the saving. We get a sense of the baptism covenant from this passage as Elisha retrieved the ax head from the waters of the Jordan. I am eternally grateful that Jesus, our Savior and Messiah, reached in and lifted me up. (2 Kings 6:7) He expects me to do the same for others.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 NIV

Pastor Jen