Scripture
Elisha said, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!”

Observation
Elijah is about to be taken up to heaven. He leads Elisha on a tour of some key prophetic schools in Israel- Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, Jordan River.

At each place Elijah tells Elisha to stay and Elisha pledges to never leave him. At each please, prophets come and ask Elisha if he knows that Elijah is about to be taken away.

Finally Elijah asks Elisha what he can give him. Elisha replies that he wants the double portion of the Holy Spirit ie inheritance of the ministry. Elijah replies that if Elisha sees him leave then he will receive the inheritance.

Elijah is taken up to heaven.

Application
Ministry is relational. It is clear from this passage that Elisha loved Elijah as his spiritual father. Elisha refused to stay in any of these places where he could probably have made a name for himself as the top prophet. He was determined to walk with Elijah to the end.

Elisha's request for the “double portion” is about inheritance not power. He wanted to continue the ministry of Elijah and not simply start his own ministry.

Real ministry is always relational. We need spiritual fathers to raise us up and equip us- not mere attachment to institutions and programmes. We also need to be looking for those whom we can nurture in the faith and pass on an inheritance to,

Prayer
Lord you call us to live and grow in faith communities. Help me to expand my relationships so that I can both receive and give to those around me. Amen.