It must have been a difficult day for them both. Elijah’s life on earth was ending that day, and Elisha knew it; and the two of them, teacher and student, were very close. No wonder Elisha was so grumpy when the other prophets kept talking about it; it wasn’t something he wanted to dwell on.
But not talking about it wouldn’t stop their separation from coming. And so Elijah asked his disciple, “What do you want me to give you before I go?” Elisha knew exactly what he wanted: a double portion of the Holy Spirit to be on him for his own future ministry. No wonder Elijah said that was a hard thing to promise! For that kind of gift is under God’s control only; nobody can make that promise but God Himself.
But Elisha did get what he wanted as an inheritance! And from that day on he followed in the footsteps of Elijah, doing the same works. And he served the Lord as prophet.
We, too, inherit the Holy Spirit—not from Elijah but from our Lord and Savior Jesus. He gave up His life for us on the cross, to transform us from rebels and sinners to children of God Himself. And now that He has risen from the dead, He gives us the gift of the Spirit, to live within us with the life of Jesus. Death will have no power over us, just as it has none over Him; and the Spirit helps us to grow more and more to resemble Jesus in all our actions.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, give me Your Spirit. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you ever inherited anything?
2. If so, from whom? What was it?
3. What would you ask God for, if He gave you the desire of your heart?