Two Thoughts about Elisha

 '...that your fruit should remain...' John 15:16

Elisha served others until he died. We read: 'Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. Then Joash the king of Israel came down to him [for advice].' 2 Kings 13:14. On his deathbed, Elisha gave the king a strategy for defeating his enemies. So, you can lift others even when you yourself are down. You can feel like a hypocrite because things aren't so great in your own life, yet still minister to them. The truth is, when you reach out in love to someone else it takes the focus off you, your discouragement lifts, and it works for your good.

Elisha's impact continued after he died. One day '...Elijah said to Elisha, "...what can I do for you...?" [He replied] "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit"...' (2 Kings 2:9). Elijah, his mentor, performed seven major miracles recorded in Scripture.

When he died, Elisha had performed only thirteen. Did God fail to grant his request? No. 'Then Elisha died, and they buried him. And the raiding bands from Moab invaded the land...So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet' (2 Kings 13:20-21). Miracle fourteen; Elisha got his double portion!

Jesus said, '...I chose...you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain ...' (John 15:16).

So pray,

'Lord, give me a legacy of righteousness. Make my impact greater than my lifespan. Give me fruit that remains.'