Daily Devotional | The God of the Next Generation

Transitions can be difficult. We wonder, Will the new leader lead well? Will circumstances be too difficult for the team to handle? And, as economists will tell you, the market hates uncertainty!

The departure of Elijah “in a whirlwind” was a significant moment of transition for God’s people (v. 1). The prophet who confronted the followers of Baal on Mt. Carmel and saw God display His power was leaving the scene. His disciple Elisha was aware of the impending transition of leadership, and everyone reminded him about it too (vv. 3, 5). Elijah, perhaps avoiding a painful goodbye, asked that Elisha stay behind. Elisha refused. Finally, Elijah asked, “What can I do for you before I am taken from you?” Elisha’s request? “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit” (v. 9).

Elisha’s request suggests he understood Elijah’s strength came from something supernatural! He was not asking for Elijah’s spirit; he was asking for the Spirit that empowered Elijah! That Spirit came from the God who called and empowered him to be a prophet. After Elijah was taken into heaven on a flaming chariot, Elisha took his mentor’s cloak and asked, “Where now, is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” (v. 14). It was less a challenge than an opportunity for Elisha, and anyone watching, to understand that God was now with him. Times in Israel may have been difficult, and Elijah’s departure created uncertainty, but the God of Elijah was also the God of Elisha. He had not left His people without His Spirit. The miracles Elisha performed afterward proved the point: God was with him!

The same lesson applies to us. As we walk through times of transition, we must remember that God is on the throne. The God who helped you in the past will not abandon you now.