I read this verse the other day (it’s from 2 Kings 2:9)…
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you? Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit, Elisha replied.
If I’m true to the text, the reason Elisha asked this is probably so that he would have twice the authority of the other prophets and therefore would have the strength to be their leader (have a look at www.BibleGateway.com to see the verse in loads of translations). Not a bad thing to ask, but not what I originally pondered.
I must confess that at times I’m disappointed in the ‘next generation’ (not a Star Trek reference!). I’ve spotted all the opportunities I missed when I was in school – the only place where we can get an audience with the entire population – and tried to pass the encouragement to make best use of the time on to the next generation. But in many instances they’ve missed it too. Just like me, they’ve got caught up in study, hormones, money and self-obsession. I started wondering, ‘Is Christianity going to fade away as it gets diluted with each generation’s failings?’ If you think that’s a bit harsh, please forgive me and send me a comment!
The verse in 2 Kings struck me. It’s pushing two thoughts into my head.
- I also belong to a generation that persists in making our own mistakes rather than listen to the wisdom of the leaders before us. But our time is not over. God is not age-ist. We can ask for a double portion of the Spirit and see God moving in awesome ways in this world.
- It’s not too late for the next generation. I see glimpses of glory, of what could be, I see Kingdom values enacted in an environment that has changed beyond recognition even in ten years, young people living real, honest lives before friends who do not yet know God, rather than living in holy huddles that preserve faith but do not inspire it.
The best of all is: GOD IS WITH US. May you and I receive a double portion of the Spirit of the ones who have gone before us, learning from their wisdom and serving God in our age.
Haven’t read ur blog before- but I teach in a school and I am constantly asking God to give me opportunities to tell them about what is truly important in life. Over the last week I have really felt God telling me to pray for the Lost and use every opportunity to speak to kids about what JESUS did. In our SU at school we have organised visitors to come in and talk about their testimony. But from a teacher’s perspective it is so difficult! I want kids to work hard in my subject and love the Lord. I think we really need to pray that kids would be open to let Jesus in. The more I see them, the more I realise how blinded they are and cannot see what God has done. I suppose God tells us this in the bible time and again that it is not until that commitment is made that anyone can truly see and be thankful for what he’s made and done. But the Christian kids I see are so on fire! They run a prayer group called P.I.P and they pray so hard. I guess ur blog has made me realise that I am going to step up and remind them what a privelege they have and how they could step it up and talk to others in school. Except now I am going to do that too! Scary! But bring it on God!
Cool! Thanks for sharing Jen. The difficult bit is challenging in an inspiring way rather than a guilt-driven way… May God guide your words and thoughts!
Thank you for investing in the next generation.