In our Wednesday night Bible study we have been investigating the lives of two great prophets: Elijah and Elisha. Last night we discussed the very tender and faith building transition between the ministries of these two great men of God. As a part of that transition, Eljiah was translated to heaven and did not suffer physical death, but not before Elisha asked for a double portion of his mentor’s spirit. In all likelihood, the request for a double portion simply meant that Elisha wanted to be treated like Elijah’s firstborn son (Duet. 21:17) and that he wanted to continue the ministry that Elijah had started. While Elijah was unable to fulfill this request (for only God could give Elisha that blessing), Elisha was told how he could know if his request has been granted. If Elisha stayed with Elijah until the end and if he witnessed the ascension of his mentor, then he would know that his request had been granted (2 Kings 2:10). And sure enough, “Elisha saw it!” (2:12)
This promise and its fulfillment got me to thinking about our greatest blessings and the promise that condition them. Those blessings are as conditional as the one that Elisha asked for. Do you want the blessing of salvation? Do you want the blessing of being with God in heaven forever? Do you want to be treated like the sons and daughters of God (i.e., calling Him Father, dwelling in His house, eating at His table)? My friends, all those blessings are conditional. They will only be ours if we stay with Him until the end (2 Tim. 4:7-8; Rev. 2:10).
There was a time in the life of Christ when some ceased to walk with Him any longer. Christ asked those closest to Him if they too, would turn away. Realizing that salvation was conditioned on his relationship to the Savior, Peter stated: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). We should reason that same way when we realize the conditional nature of God’s greatest blessings.
- Wayne Jones
