What kind of inheritance did you receive, or do you anticipate receiving from your dad? I inherited the silk maps of different groups of islands in the South Pacific my dad had with him in the cockpit of his Hellcat fighter during World War II. They have fared much better than he did post the stress young Navy pilots dealt with during those times. I also inherited some of his characteristics, his athleticism and competitive spirit.
In his latter days, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours – otherwise not.” As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. … And Elisha saw him no more. – 2Kings 2:9-12
Inheritance law of the time assigned a double portion of the father’s possessions to the firstborn son to provide for smooth succession. Possessions – money, valuables and property tend to dominate the discussion today when inheritance is the topic. I saw a bumper sticker on the back of one of those bus-sized vacation motor homes last week that read, “We’re spending our kids’ inheritance.” They looked like they were having a good time.
Elisha was not interested in possessions nor did he have a desire to be twice as great as Elijah. He did intend to obey and carry on Elijah’s legacy, to follow in his footsteps and to do so, he knew he needed a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit. How cool would it be if your kids simply desired to inherit a double portion of your spirit? Is your spirit desirable?
Tips to Be an Inheritance:
- Live an “All in” life – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind” – Matthew 22:37;
- Reflect that love in marriage and family every day;
- Work as if working for the Lord in all you do, utilizing the gifts the Lord has given you and glorifying Him in the process.
Prayer guide: Lord, forgive my weakness in the flesh that keeps me from being “All in” with You. I love You Lord and desire to live an “All in” life. Grant me a double portion of Elijah’s spirit to practice spiritual disciplines that will keep You in the middle of every discussion, decision and relationship I face. Equip me to boldly walk with You in a way that leads the next generation in Truth. Amen
A faithful father passes on a double portion of his spirit.
