Supersize the prophetic spirit that energizes you ∙

Supersize the prophetic spirit that energizes you ∙

Elijah asked Elisha, “What can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of the prophetic spirit that energizes you.” – 2 Kings 2:9

2 Kings 2:11-15

 11 As they were walking along and talking, suddenly, a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and a whirlwind carried Elijah into heaven.

 12 Elisha saw it and cried out, “My Father! My Father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.

 13 Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then, Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River.

 14 He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.

 15 When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

Break free from the jaded, cynical, skeptical mask of adulthood. Envision yourself as a 10-year-old, once again having heroes you idolize. Allow your mind to wander. Daydream a bit. Who are your idols, and why? Do you aspire to be like them, and if so, why?

Heroes not only reflect our core values but also inform and shape our aspirations. Our core values influence our life choices and direction. While selecting a path doesn’t necessarily set our final destination in stone, it is crucial to understand what is significant to us. Each individual’s core values differ. Frequently, maturity has a way of improving them.

The concept of a “hero” was first introduced by the ancient Greeks. They perceived heroes as ordinary humans who carried out actions well beyond the capabilities of an average person. Heroes were simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary, serving as reminders of what was possible. They motivate us to reach our full potential and be all we can be.

Heroes embody our ideals and significantly contribute to defining those ideals. In many aspects, our ideals determine our conduct and aspirations.

The heroes we choose to admire profoundly influence our lives. However, we also have the chance to refine our choices and select better heroes.

A common misconception in contemporary society is mistaking fame for greatness. Figures like Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Taylor Swift, Freddie Mercury, and Michael Jordan are considered real or fictional “superheroes.” Nevertheless, fame does not necessarily equate to moral character and excellence.

We should reflect upon our heroes and what they represent to us.

What makes our heroes noteworthy? We pardon their shortcomings and defects, which expose their imperfections. Human heroes are always imperfect. Their frailties make them more like us. We can relate. Their triumphs over their human shortcomings should inspire us, not dishearten us. They expand our vision of what is possible for mere fallen people.

The Father has chosen to tell us about His “superheroes.” Their tales fill the Scriptures. Many were ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary feats: Amos, Jeremiah, Peter, and Esther. Conversely, some were exceptional individuals who regrettably made numerous poor decisions: Moses, Solomon, and Samson.

The Father’s heroes are often overlooked and ignored. They are not dismissed because their stories are familiar and therefore disregarded. Instead, it’s because their stories are not widely known. The Father has entrusted each of us, as children of the King, with the task of learning these stories. And then, we are to share the Father’s superheroes with others.

REFLECT & PRAY

Do you aspire to be a hero in your Father’s sight?

Father thank You for telling us who Your heroes are. The Scriptures are full of them. You even gave us a special list in Hebrews 11.

INSIGHT

Being a child of the King involves high aspirations and subtle thoughts. It’s about breaking free from monotony and societal expectations. It encompasses learning to love and cherish Him, His teachings, and His principles. It requires consciously deciding to lead a life based on His standards rather than one’s own.

Let us delve into the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elijah was a hero in Elisha’s eyes. He was captivated by the extraordinary spiritual energy and blessings that the Father expressed in and through Elijah. Elisha yearned to emulate Elijah and even surpass him.

This was precisely the Father’s plan. Elijah served as Elisha’s mentor, preparing him to take over when the time was right. Essentially, Elijah was grooming his own replacement. He was working himself out of a job. Elijah’s assignment was a daunting task for anyone. The demands of such an incredible responsibility far exceeded Elisha’s limited abilities. No doubt Elisha wondered, “How can I ever do it?” It would require power, immense spiritual power. The answer soon came.

2 Kings 2:9 Elijah asked Elisha, “What can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of the prophetic spirit that energizes you.”

Elisha’s aspirations didn’t revolve around fame, materialistic acquisitions, or wealth. He sought spiritual power. He wanted the same raw spiritual energy that Elijah possessed, but more. He wanted it to be supersized! He was well aware of his own limitations and inadequacies. Elisha knew he would need a double portion, which he requested from Elijah.

But the Father’s power is His alone to bestow. Mere mortals cannot command or manipulate the Father. That goes without saying. But the point here is that Elisha had the boldness and confidence in the Father to ask.

As it turns out, this was the Father’s plan all along. It was His doing to bring Elisha and Elijah together. It was no mistake that Elijah became his mentor, training him not only to wield the power of God but also to develop the character and integrity necessary to shoulder such responsibility. Elisha’s request was granted. In a whirlwind, Elijah was taken home to be with the Father aboard a fiery chariot driven by an angelic charioteer.

Elijah’s cloak fell near Elisha’s feet, symbolizing the Father’s answer to Elisha’s prayer. Elisha picked up the cloak and returned to the Jordan River. Upon striking the river with the cloak, he exclaimed, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha crossed (2 Kings 2:14).

2 Kings 2:15 When the group of prophets from Jericho saw what happened from a distance, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!”

“Elisha made a big request because he had come to know a big God. What ‘big things’ might God be pleased to do in your life if only you would ask Him?” (Stanley) Spend some time alone and list your five greatest heroes. Reflect on why they are your heroes. Is it time to change heroes?

But more importantly, do you aspire to do great things for the Father? Is it time to ask in faith, Father, if you are willing supersize me?

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© Dr. H 2024