Gillian gave the epilogue at tonight’s family service, looking at how Elisha was motivated by a passion for his master which led him to pursue him and long for a double portion of his spirit to help him. He refused to leave Elijah, even when urged to do so, having a burning desire to do the things he saw Elijah doing. Because of his passion and persistence, he was present when Elijah was taken into heaven and his cloak fell on him, allowing him to do miracles which confirmed God’s presence and power in him so that others saw and took notice.
Jesus came with a burning desire to do the Father’s will, and promised that those who long for Him will do even greater things than He did (Jn 14:12). While Elisha had to pursue Elijah to receive his blessing, Jesus came to seek and save, taking the initiative in reaching out to us. He has not left us on our own, but has poured out His Holy Spirit on us. Just as those who saw Elisha recognised Elijah’s spirit on him, we need to be so full of the Holy Spirit that others recognise we are like Jesus. Our desire and passion for God tend to decrease with age, as familiarity and independence creep in, but we need to hunger and thirst for a closer walk with God if we are to see the miracles He wants to do through us.