2 Kings 2:9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you… I. THE GREATEST NEED, THE MOST SOLEMN POSITION, IS NOT WITH THOSE WHO ARE LEAVING THE WORLD, BUT WITH THOSE WHO REMAIN. Not Elijah, but Elisha requires strength and help. It was a perception of Elisha's greater need that prompted the invitation. II. OUR POWER TO BLESS OTHERS IS LIMITED BY OUR LIVES. "Before I be taken away from thee." Elijah cannot pledge himself to anything after his departure. While yet he lingers upon me earth he may help and mess his successor. We can only bless the world while we are present in it. III. THE NOBLEST LEGACY OF THE DEPARTED GOOD, AND THE MEASURE IN WHICH WE SHOULD ASK TO POSSESS IT. "Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." This was the wisest request Elisha could have presented. What are we to understand by "thy spirit"? We think he must mean that which was the animating principle of Elijah's character, the master passion of his soul — his fidelity to God, and zeal for His name. This spirit of the great and good is their noblest legacy, our richest inheritance. 1. The spirit of Elijah was the secret of Elisha's power. We are prone to place a man's power in natural gifts and external advantages. But all experience proves that, in the work of the Lord, a simple, earnest, soul-possessing faithfulness is superior to all beside. He who has it, whatever else he may have or have not, is a true Elijah, who shall bring down the sacred fire, not upon a slaughtered bullock, but upon the souls of men. 2. The spirit of the great and good alone can compensate for their departure and loss. 3. The spirit of the great and good is alone unchanging in its character, and meets the requirements of every age. 4. To catch and inherit the spirit of the good and great is to attain the deepest and truest resemblance to them. ( W. Perkins..) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
    |