Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.

-2 Kings 2:9

Recently the Shepherds Wednesday morning men’s group started reading a book entitled Double Blessing by Mark Batterson. Mark is the lead pastor and founder of National Community Church near our nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. While we have just begun the study of his book, the first chapter called “Double Portion”, really resonated with me as I was undergoing a difficult time and it lifted me up right when I needed it most.

The scripture for today was Elisha’s request to the Prophet Elijah as his apprentice near the end of Elijah’s life. Elijah performed 14 miracles as a prophet including: resurrection, bringing fire down from the sky and ascending into heaven “alive”. Later, both John the Baptist and Jesus were called Elijah in scripture. Elijah and Elisha’s relationship models the double blessing or double portion of God’s promise to us. As Elijah’s legacy Elisha went on to perform 28 miracles. Mark believes our legacy is not measured by our accomplishments but is measured by the blessings we bestow on others and our investments and mentoring the next generation in Christ.  

“Elijah was Elisha’s double portion. And Elisha was Elijah’s double blessing. Whose double portion are you? And who is your double blessing?” -Double Blessing by Mark Batterson

Mark goes on to describe the necessity of prayer and self-sacrifice for others as the path to our double blessings. Mark goes on to provide many examples of “double promises” in scripture.  Isaiah promises a double portion of joy. The apostle Paul conferred double honor on those who lead well.  The double portion of Elijah’s spirit resulted in twice as many miracles as performed by Elisha. God promised the Israelites in Babylon “I will restore twice as much to you.”

(Zechariah 9-12) This double promise can be traced to one of the oldest books in the book of Job.  “When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before.” (Job 42:10)

“Is there someone you need to pray for? Like Job it may be a friend who offended you, or it may be a boss who betrayed you. Not only does the act of forgiveness break the curse of bitterness, but it also invokes the blessings of God. Let foreverness begin a new chapter in your life!” -Double Blessing by Mark Batterson

Prayer for Today

Lord we are thankful that you don’t lose track of our sufferings.  That through Jesus Christ there is no double jeopardy, our sins are forgiven and forgotten. Not only is our debt of sin paid in full, but the righteousness of Christ is also transferred in our account as a double blessing. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.