DOUBLE PORTION: WHERE FROM ?

Tuesday 17 July                                 Bible in one year : Judges 19-21

Memorise: Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights , with whom is no variableness,neither shadow of turning . James 1:17

Read : James 1:16-18

In the story about Elijah’s rapture recorded in 2 Kings 2;11-14 , you will notice the repetition of the phrase: “The mantle of Elijah that fell from him”. This tells us that even when Elisha had paid the price in serving him for some years and in accompanying him on his last assignments, and had even crossed the Jordan with him, Elijah still took his mantle with him until the cry of Elisha’s was heard. This shows the need for patience in God’s kingdom , particularly when you are trusting God for something very precious. If you are not ready to persist until you get it, you may be denied at the very point when you should have had it. Similarly, we learn that every good gift comes from above (James 1:17). When Elijah was taken , he went into heaven then the mantle was sent down with a double portion of the anointing on Elijah. Many people think it was Elijah who delivered Elisha’s request to him. No! There was no way he could give what he did not have which was why he told Elisha he asked a hard thing. He simply took the mantle with him and God released the double portion of the anointing on Elijah upon it for Elisha. Even when the anointing oil is poured on you, the power is released from above.

Also, when the Holy Spirit descended in Acts 2:1-4 , He sat on the heads of the disciples as cloven tongues of fire. This shows the importance of your head. This is why when it is time to ordain people, we go for their heads. The implication of this is that whatever you are , you owe to God. You have no reason to be proud. No wonder David acknowledged his help as being from God (Psalms 121:1-2). When God uses a vessel of His to bless you and you thank the fellow, do not forget that he or she is only a vessel;let your greater thanksgiving go to God who is the giver of the blessing. It is wrong to thank the vessel but forget the One who used the vessel to channel your blessings to you. This season, the Lord will bless you abundantly. How patient are you ?How much do you give God thanks ? Have you paid the price for a higher lever of God’s anointing on you?

KEY POINT: If you want any definite blessing from Heaven, look up to God.