Our scripture today is 2 Kings 2:9 (ESV).
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.”
God gave Elijah three tasks to accomplish in 1 Kings 19:15-16: annoint a new king for Israel, annoint a new king for Judah, and annoint Elisha as the new prophet. Now as Elijah prepares to go with God, Elisha asks for “a double portion of your spirit.” In that society the eldest son was given a double portion of the inheritance, but with these resources came responsibility to care for the family. Like Solomon asking for wisdom, Elisha asks that he may be a worthy successor to Elijah and take responsibility for the family of God.
Loving Lord, help us to see the responsibility we bear in creation, to care for what we have been given, especially each other. May we be good stewards of all Your gifts, but more importantly, good siblings to all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
