How to receive “a double portion”

In the Old Testament, “Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?’ Elisha said, ‘Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.’ So he said, ‘You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so’” (vv. 9-10 NKJV). Elisha received his “double portion,” and went on to perform twice as many miracles as his mentor Elijah. The key phrase here is this: “If you see me when I am taken from you!” In other words, “Stay close to me, and you can have it.” Notice the four places to which Elisha followed Elijah: (1) Gilgal. That’s where the Israelites were circumcised, which involves “cutting off the flesh” (see Joshua 5:8). You must be led by God’s Spirit and say no to your carnal nature—that’s “a hard thing” to do. (2) Bethel. That’s where Jacob had a heavenly vision (see Genesis 28:19). Unless you have a vision that’s born of God, you’ll drift aimlessly through life. (3) Jericho. That’s where Joshua had a face-to-face encounter with God and prayed, “What saith my Lord unto his servant?” (Joshua 5:14). It’s only when you surrender to God that you experience victory. (4) Jordan. Because the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea, it represents death. So be prepared to attend your own burial—every day (see 1 Corinthians 15:31). Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20 NIV). Do you want a double portion of God’s Spirit? You can have it if you meet the conditions.