In 2nd Kings 2:1-18 we hear Elisha seek something special from Elijah: “When they had crossed [the Jordan], Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.’ Elisha said, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.’”
Have you ever known someone whose spirit impacted you the way that Elijah’s spirit impacted Elisha? That kind of person comes along every now and then in our lives. They aren’t perfect but they have a spirit about them that pulls others to them.
They are not judgmental and are always ready to spend time listening or helping. Everyone recognizes that the person’s life is dedicated to the Lord. In a spiritual sense they are role models.
In Christ Jesus we have a model. We don’t have to inherit a double share of His spirit. We will do well to inherit a piece of a share. In our seeking God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we must model for each other.
There are times when we need encouragement and support in our walk with Christ. There are times when we need to encourage and support a brother or sister in their walk. The important thing is that we are there for each other as God’s messengers.
To succeed in this we must be ready to go out on a limb. We must be willing to approach a brother or sister at the moment they seem to be unapproachable. Our ears must be tuned to hear their cry — a cry that is usually disguised. We must be able to recognize depression when we see it. Depression is the great silent cry.
We must remind one another of the love of God; a love which eliminates our need for control in our lives. We must accept the role as God’s healer as well as being healed ourselves. Not one of us is without need, but all of us can be a blessing to a brother or sister.
I pray to my Father in this prayer:
Father God, like the tide, let my ministry and my need to be ministered to ebb and flow. Guide me when I need to be attentive to the needs of others. Help me to submit when You are healing me through a brother or sister. I know that it is this sense of giving and receiving that is Your will for Your children. Thank you Lord. AMEN.