Where Are the Elishas of God?
Taken from "FIRE UPON THE ALTAR" Chapter Nine
by Gene Easley
2 Kings 2:9-10, 2 Kings 2:14
Carrying his Bible, attending the services, singing the songs, putting a little money in the offering plate as it was passed was not what church was all about to Elisha. He wanted more of God. When Elijah said, "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away," Elisha said, "Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." He wanted a double portion of God's Spirit!
When Elisha crossed the river Jordan after the ascension of Elijah to heaven, he took the mantle of Elijah and smote the waters of the river Jordan and said, "Where is the LORD God of Elijah?" Then the waters parted and Elisha crossed over on dry ground.
This verse of Scripture has been used to pose a similar question. That is, "Where are the Elijahs of God?" Where are the mighty prophets such as Elijah who did not fear to declare the truths of God's Word in the face of much opposition? He did not fear to stand and declare, "Thus saith the Lord." Where are the Elijahs of God? We need that kind of prophet! The question we are asking now, however, is still a little different: "Where are the Elishas of God?"
Elisha was known for something very special. As Elijah was known as the fearless spokesman for God, Elisha was known as the man who wanted more of the Spirit of God. The question for us in this day of the church, when we have so enjoyed our complacency, when we have so accepted a lukewarm atmosphere, when we have allowed ourselves to be rocked to sleep in ease and comfort and have not been seeking more of what God can give us spiritually, is, "Where are the Elishas of God?" Where are those today who are asking for a double portion of God's Spirit? Where are those who long after and hunger for the power and presence of God?
The most important thing happening in some churches is the Thursday night ball game. If that activity were canceled, some would not understand the purpose of church. The social get-together is its reason for existing. May God give us some who will join with the prophet Elisha and say, "I want a double portion of the Spirit of God!"
Every Christian makes the choice. Every church makes the choice. We can turn our church into a social club, or we can make it a house of prayer where the Spirit of God moves.
When Elisha asked for a double portion, he realized the work that was before him. He realized that God needs a witness in the world.
What does church mean to us? Is it simply a gathering place? A place where the women learn how to grow flowers and share favorite recipes? A place where men talk about fishing trips, and the youth play ball games? What does church mean to us?
If Elisha were alive today, you would not find him looking for the church which has the best program. He would be looking for the church with a prayer room. He would be wanting a new infilling of the Spirit, so that he could boldly proclaim God's Word!
There was a deep hunger in Elisha's heart. He could have asked for an earthly fortune. But Elisha made his choice. He chose the Spirit of God. How many today are asking for the spiritual blessing? Would not most in this hour ask for a large monetary sum? Isn't money really the answer? Can't money buy whatever you need and answer all your problems? If you only had plenty of money, wouldn't everything always work out all right? The world would say yes to these questions and many in the church are giving an affirmative response, but the Word of God tells us where the true treasures lie.
1 Timothy 6:5 speaks of those who suppose that gain is godliness. To them the Gospel grants an access whereby they may satisfy their covetous desires. But Paul placed the emphasis elsewhere. 1 Timothy 6:6-12 states it this way: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." So, the choice lies between that which is temporal and carnal and that which is spiritual and eternal. Elisha wanted the latter.
Elisha's servant, Gehazi, could not understand the thinking of his master. The leper, Naaman, had offered large sums of money to Elisha after Naaman was healed by following the instructions of the prophet. But Elisha refused the money. He wasn't serving God for the material rewards. He only wanted the Spirit to continue to work in his life. It seemed outrageous to Gehazi that Elisha would not accept such a gift. So, in haste, Gehazi followed Naaman and requested some of the offering. Upon returning to Elisha, his evil deed was revealed. As a result, the leprosy of Naaman was placed upon Gehazi. The church is leprous today because it has hasted after the temporal and material and has cared less about a double portion of God's Spirit.
We need to ask ourselves, "Am I a Gehazi Christian or an Elisha Christian?" The answer is found in what we are pursuing. Is it the love of money or the love of His Spirit that drives us? There are many who err from the faith in a false pursuit of material happiness who afterward find it difficult to bear the sorrows they have brought upon themselves.
It is our choice whether we want Gehazi's leprosy dragging us down or Elisha's double portion lifting us up. Abraham chose to forsake his homeland that he might some day dwell in "a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Esau chose a bowl of pottage, while Jacob wanted the birthright. Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Samson chose the favor of Delilah over the power of God. What choices are we making?
It appears that the choice was easy for Elisha. He had witnessed the power of God in Elijah's life and was fully convinced that that was what he wanted.
But it was more than just desiring something good which motivated Elisha. He was aware that he needed what Elijah had in order to fulfill the task before him. He had watched the river Jordan open as Elijah smote the waters with his mantle. Elisha realized that that type of ministry could not be carried on in the power of the flesh. God isn't looking for people who will work for Him, as much as He is looking for people He can work through.
