Praying Friends,
Thank you for receiving this devotional and for being committed to prayer for our prodigals and revival each Wednesday.
It would be difficult to talk about Elijah and not Elisha. Elisha was his successor. The one thing Elisha asked for before God took Elijah was a double portion of his spirit. And he got it! You can read the details in 2 Kings 2:9-12.
Three times Elijah tried to shake off Elisha. Each time, in determined tones, Elisha said, “I will not leave you” (2 Kings 2:1-6). After they miraculously crossed the Jordan river, Elijah gave his friend a final request: “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” (2 Kings 2:9).
As mentioned above, he wanted a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This is the language of inheritance. The double portion was by Hebrew law the share of the oldest son (Deuteronomy 21:17). In this case, the inheritance was not land, possessions, or wealth, but rather to receive the status of being the main successor of Elijah.
What amazing faith Elisha had in making this request!
“‘You have asked a difficult thing,’ Elijah said, ‘yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours — otherwise, it will not’” (2 Kings 2:10). Imagine the carefulness, the watchfulness, the intensity of Elisha as he waited for Elijah to be taken away! He deeply desired this inheritance.
He watched in faith as Elijah was swept up in a chariot of fire, and God responded by pouring His blessing upon this new believing prophet (2 Kings 2:14).
Your inheritance in Christ is doubly secure. It is being safe-guarded for you, and you are being protected for it. Like Elisha, it is for you to enjoy now by faith.
These are the words of Peter to the scattered, persecuted saints of the first century, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).
The inheritance that God has brought you into by faith is sure. It is guaranteed by the Word of God and by the Person of God.
Peter’s words are not questionable or doubtful. Based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the inheritance promised to you will never perish, spoil, or fade. It is being guarded in heaven. This is God’s Word!
Paul writing to the Ephesian believers says, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14).
The indwelling Holy Spirit is a pledge of security from God Himself. Not only does His Word confirm your inheritance, but He has also given you His Holy Spirit to live within you until the day of redemption.
The equally staggering reality that Peter gives is that not only is the inheritance being kept for you, but you are also being kept for it. As you live in faith, God’s power is protecting you until the full possession of it.
How does God do this? Does He create some invisible, magical bubble around us that keeps us immune to the dangers and evils of the world? Does He preprogram everyone to make decisions so as to keep you free from trouble? Of course not!
Don’t forget that faith has both eternal results and present effects. As you learn now to live in the good of what is coming in its fullness, God will preserve you through His power.
Your inheritance includes all that we have in Christ. Realities such as the forgiveness of sins, redemption, justification, being children of God, adoption as sons, sanctification, and heirship, just to name a few. These will be fully realized in a future day, when you are with Christ, but you can live in the good of them today.
May your faith take you deep into your double portion of inheritance.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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