Daily Devotion, May 2, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Kings 2:1-14.

When the time came for Elijah to depart from this world, he asked Elisha what he should do for him before being taken from Israel. Elisha could have asked for many things. He might have asked for courage, wisdom, power, or boldness. But he requested a “double portion” of the spirit that was on Elijah.

Having the anointing of the Holy Spirit was important because God’s Spirit would provide for all of his needs. Elisha knew to seek the person, the Holy Spirit, who works in and through people instead of seeking another path to success.

When Elijah was taken up into heaven on chariots of fire, Elisha faced a decision. He could take up Elijah’s mantle as a prophet and the anointing of the Spirit or he could go his own way. Even though it meant a rejection by the world, Elisha chose to follow Elijah and put into practice all the things his mentor had taught him.

When the Lord calls us, we each have a moment of decision. We can choose to take up his mantle and follow him or go our own way. The mantle can be seen as a symbol of the anointing of the Holy Spirit who God gives to all Christians. Let’s choose, as Elisha did, to take up the mantle and put into practice all the things Jesus taught us.

Personal Worship Option:

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you today as you serve God and others.