A DOUBLE PORTION

In many sermons and conversations, I have heard people talk about a double portion/anointing, and toda, I also want to share my thoughts on this subject. The concept of the double portion comes from following scripture which will be the foundation for this blog, “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” (2 Kings 2:9), and it centers around the relationship of Elijah and his successor Elisha who lived during the ninth century B.C.

In 1 Kings 19:16 God informed Elijah that he should anoint Elisha, the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah to succeed him as a prophet to the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. In verses 19-21, we see him finding Elisha the son of Shaphat in northern Israel plowing his father’s field near the ancient town of Abelmeholah, and passing by him Elijah cast his mantle upon him.

Elisha responded by slewing a yoke of oxen and used the yoke as firewood to cook the oxen. He then gave the flesh of the oxen to the people to eat, arose, went after Elijah, and ministered unto him. Though the scriptures do not reveal much about the time Elisha was with Elijah, scholars believed that for ten to twelve years Elisha was Elijah’s close attendant, waiting on him, pouring water on his hands, learning, receiving mentorship and guidance until Elijah was taken up into heaven by a whirlwind in a fiery chariot.

From the only two chapters (1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2) that shares the story of Elijah and Elisha being together, I have drawn some conclusions concerning the transference of a double portion/anointing. These are:
1. God uses people who are workers. When Elijah found Elisha, he was busy working in the field.
2. To ascertain whether you would want a similar anointing that is on a person, you must spend time with that person. You need to get to know them. This may require you leaving your family, friends, and way of life. This may require you going from the familiar to the unknown, and all of this needs to be done willingly.
3. Do whatever labor is necessary. For years Elisha was the errand boy and servant of Elijah. He no doubt did menial tasks, those things that people do not enjoy doing; however, being a servant made him eligible to be a leader.
4. Get as much teaching as you can while the person is with you. Elisha knew that Elijah was going to leave him, and he determined to be with him as long as he was able.
5. Don’t permit the words of others to distract or divert you from your assignment. As Elijah and Elisha journeyed from Gilgal to Jordan, they met with several companies of prophets who said these discouraging words to Elisha, “Knowest thou that the Lord will take thy master from thy head today?” Elisha answered, “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.” Sometimes you have to shut out the chatter of others and keep moving
6. Don’t expect others to join you. This is your assignment. The company of prophets did not join Elisha while he traveled along with Elijah.
7. On their last day together at three different locations (Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho) Elijah told Elisha, “Tarry, here, I pray thee.” In the Hebrew “tarry” means to sit down and consider, or to sit down in judgment. Elijah did not take Elisha’s companionship for granted he wanted him to sit down and make a conscious decision whether or not he should continue with him. You must count the cost and decide to commit to the end.
8. Know what you want. When asked, Elisha told Elijah, “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”
9. After you received the double portion/anointing, it is time to do the work. Elisha did not spend time grieving over Elijah’s departure, but he immediately went back to Jericho and there addressed a problem of the water and barren land, and he continued for the next sixty-five years in the work of the ministry prophesizing to kings and people and performing miracles throughout the nation.

I pray that this blog encourages you on today and give you food for thought concerning how to receive a double portion/anointing.