What a mighty man of God Elijah must have been! He is one of only two people in Scripture who literally escaped death, being caught up to God and to His throne! What a testimony! And how wonderful the legend that Elijah left behind too. His life was so influential in fact, that Elisha, his friend, begged for the "mantle" that Elijah carried while on earth, even a "double portion" of Elijah's heart: "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. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so" (2 Kgs 2:9-10). The transference of this "prophetic cloak" was, to himself, a pledge of his being appointed successor, and it was an outward token to others of the spirit of Elijah resting upon him. For us, this event is typical of the double glory that the bride of Christ will soon possess, even as a lily has far greater glory than the thorns that may surround her (Song 2:2; 6:3; Matt 25:1-13): "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all" (Prov 31:29). Today, I want to address HOW this occurred for Elisha, and HOW it will become our testimony too. What is the road to this double portion and higher calling, even such as Elisha seems to have attained? Not surprisingly, Scripture has the answer..
(1) First and foremost, we must understand the need for wholehearted devotion. Elisha happily neglected worldly goods and rewards to follow Elijah. It seems that he abandoned a considerable estate. If, therefore, he obeyed the prophetic call, he did it to considerable secular loss (1 Kgs 19:19). We will soon see why such an unusual devotion is necessary on this road to a double portion: "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life" (Matt 19:29).
As we read the verses of Scripture that lead up to the dispersion of Elijah's mantle, found in 2 Kings 2:1-15, we see a vivid illustration of HOW this double portion is obtained, being facilitated by the enabling grace of God. Observe..
(2) The first place we find Elisha and Elijah is at "Gilgal" (vs. 1). This word means, "a rolling away". During this journey, the flesh nature must be "rolled away". This is probably the greatest obstacle on this road to a double portion. The road to failure will surely be paved with good intentions: those wants and desires that never came to fruition due to the cravings of carnality and the giving into temptation. As we begin this course, we must "choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Josh 24:15). We cannot adequately serve two masters, and thus servanthood to the flesh nature must be rolled away.
(3) Interestingly, Elijah is consistently asking Elisha to stay behind: "And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee..." (vs. 2a)! How curious.. Why does he do that? He either made these requests through humility, not wishing any person to be witness of the honor conferred on him by God, or with the desire to prove the fidelity of Elisha, whether he would continue to follow and serve him. Friend, those who desire such a double portion will be continually tested in like manner. Far too often, the cry of man's heart is one of "how far do I have to go?" But the cry of Elisha's, and of all those who are like him, is "how far will You let me go?!" Can you notice the difference?
(4) Elisha decided to remain faithful, so they both went to Bethel: "And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel" (vs. 2b). "Bethel" means, "the house of God". Similarly, those seeking this double portion anointing will often be found tarrying, seeking and enjoying the many bounties that only the "house of God" can provide! This was likewise the testimony of king David (Ps 27:4; 84:10), and of Jesus Himself (Lk 2:46). Can we truly say, "LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth" (Ps 26:8). Don't neglect this truth! Don't give up; press on! There is a reward at the end, even a double portion!
(5) Again, we find Elijah asking Elisha to stay behind. And yet again we find Elisha refusing. What a passionate pursuit! "And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee" (vs. 4a).
(6) "...So they came to Jericho" (vs. 4b). "Jericho" means "fragrant place; moon city". Remember, these are the places that befall us on this road to a double portion. Interestingly, the moon possesses no light of it's own, but rather reflects the light of one greater - the sun. Who can fail to recognize the spiritual significance here? The bride too will be one who possesses no glory of her own, but only shines as she reflect the Son's illumination: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal 2:20)! What a fragrance that will be! And what a vital understanding that we must all possess as we journey towards this double portion. A man who trusts in his own glory and sufficiency will be a man who fails to possess the full mantle God has for him.
(7) Sadly, at every place along the way there are people who remain. There are people who have chosen to only go a certain, predetermined distance. In verses 3, 5 and 7 we see these people. Not only have they halted in their progression, but they also seem to mock and ridicule Elisha as he strives to go further and further. He continually had to ask them to hold their peace. What a sad story that these people only stand afar off, watching the culmination that is about to ensue. Reader, there will be satisfied believers at every off ramp, but the heart of God's bride will be one that is never content! Despite the cost to herself, she will do what it takes to prepare herself, to add to her faith, and to journey onward to "the saving of the soul" (Heb 10:39). Part of the bride's overcoming is recognizing the many "off-ramps", and yet choosing to faithfully go forward (Song 5:9). The fruit of such exemplary devotion is a double portion!
(8) Finally, the two men arrive at Jordan, the very place where the transference occurs: "...they two stood by Jordan" (vs. 7). "Jordan" means "descending". We have previously seen the need for our flesh nature to be "rolled away", but now we come to the truth that this "rolling away" and "descending" of ourselves must be a continual one. We are not to decrease only once, and in only one area of our lives, but in ALL! Let us continue this descending until God's work in us is complete: "And by knowledge shall [ALL] the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches" (Prov 24:4). Let us continue on this journey until we truly love the Lord with ALL of our hearts (Deut 6:5). Then, and only then, will this double portion become our own.
Friend, will you respond to the grace of God today, and press onward towards His double portion? Scripture has given us the many examples, wherewith we can find encouragement and direction. Let's plod on!
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