Two Peas in a Pod

If Elisha could have nudged Elijah’s shadow out of the way so he could follow him more closely, he would have. But Elisha followed with the perseverance of Ruth to Naomi, and his master taught him everything he could. Elijah had made it known that God would be taking him soon. Maybe Elijah thought he’d just die alone somewhere. But he couldn’t shake Elisha. Finally, he asked his faithful servant what he could do for him before he left, and Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

Did you ever wonder what prompted Elisha to biggie-size his request? Deuteronomy 21:15–17 says that a firstborn son should be given a double portion of his inheritance, for he is the first fruits of a man’s strength. Though not related in the natural, Elisha was considered Elijah’s successor and firstborn spiritual son in ministry.

Sweet Spoonful: God sent for Elijah in style. Instead of the death Elijah expected, a blazing chariot of fire scooped him up and whisked him away to heaven. Not so for his servant, but God performed twenty-eight miracles through Elisha—exactly twice as many as his master.