2 Kings 2:19-22 (ESV)
Now the men of the city said to Elisha, “Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.” He said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the LORD, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.” So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke.
When Elijah was ready to depart and taken to heaven by God, he asked his protege, Elisha, what he would request. Elisha asked for a double portion of the Spirit of God. The above story shows us what that looks like. Throughout this section we see Elisha doing many miracles. More than we read about Elijah. God answered Elisha’s request for a double portion of the Spirit. In the above story we read about the bitter waters of the first town he comes to after receiving this blessing from God. Apparently the waters were bitter and caused sickness and even miscarriages among the women. God uses this moment to affirm to Elisha that He did give him a double portion of Elijah’s power.
We ought not be fearful to ask for this power in our lives. Not for healing waters, but to defeat sin. Not to show our own greatness but to have strength in suffering. Not to do more miracles but to be empowered to share the gospel. We ought not be fearful to ask God to give us the power of the Holy Spirit. We are actually promised that power:
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV)
because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Ask for a double portion of God’s power!!
No comments:
Post a Comment