God chose a man named Elisha to follow Elijah and they became good
friends. Elisha served Elijah faithfully. But one day, Elijah
said, "Elisha, you stay here. God is sending me away."
"As God lives, I will never leave you," said Elisha, and he
continued to stay with Elijah. Each time Elijah told Elisha to
stay behind, Elisha refused to leave his friend.
"What can I do for you before I go?" asked Elijah.
"I want a double share of your spirit," said Elisha.
Then a chariot of fire swept down from heaven and took Elijah
away. But God answered Elisha's request, and like his friend,
Elisha became a powerful prophet too.
More Power to You
When Elisha asked for twice as much of Elijah's power, he was asking to be the one who would continue's Elijah's work as a leader of prophets. This request was similar to the custom in which the first-born son received a double portion of the father's inheritance.
Elisha did not want to out do Elijah for his own pride; Elisha wanted to do great things for God. And God granted Elisha's request. During his lifetime, Elisha did nearly twice as many miracles as Elijah.
When we ask God for success, fame, power, or ability, we should look closely at our motives. When our motive is to glorify and serve God, he often answers in wyas beyond our imagination.
