Leaving a Lasting Spiritual Legacy: Lessons from Elijah and Elisha

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound concept of spiritual legacy through the life of Elijah and his successor, Elisha. The central question posed was, "What kind of spiritual legacy are you leaving behind?" God’s plan has always been for His work to continue through generations, as highlighted in Psalm 71:18, which speaks of transferring God's power from one generation to the next. Material possessions, while necessary, hold little eternal value compared to the spiritual heritage we can pass on. This is true not only within our families but also within the broader spiritual family of God.

Elijah's transition to heaven marked a pivotal moment for Elisha, who requested a double portion of Elijah's spirit. This request was not for material gain but for a greater measure of God’s presence and power. Elisha's desire for a double portion reflects a deep spiritual hunger that prioritizes the eternal over the temporal. This is a call for us to seek more of God, to desire His presence and power in our lives above all else.

Elisha's journey with Elijah through various locations symbolizes the process of spiritual development. Each place—Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan—represents stages of growth and commitment. Gilgal signifies leaving the past behind, Bethel is where we hear God's voice, Jericho is where we witness God's miraculous power, and the Jordan is where the transfer of spiritual legacy occurs. This journey underscores the importance of discipleship and spiritual maturity.

The narrative also emphasizes the need for spiritual mentors. Just as Elisha followed Elijah, we too need to align ourselves with those who have experienced God deeply. This mentorship is crucial for receiving a double portion of God’s spirit. The story concludes with Elisha striking the Jordan River with Elijah's mantle, asking, "Where is the God of Elijah?" This question challenges us to seek the same God who worked powerfully in the lives of those who came before us.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual legacy is more valuable than material wealth. While material possessions are necessary, they pale in comparison to the eternal impact of a spiritual heritage. Our legacy should be one that reflects God's power and presence, passed down to future generations. [01:30]

- Seeking a double portion of God requires prioritizing the spiritual over the material. Elisha's request for a double portion was a desire for more of God, not more of the world. This challenges us to evaluate our desires and seek God above all else. [04:52]

- Spiritual growth involves leaving the past behind and embracing God's voice. The journey through Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan represents stages of spiritual development, emphasizing the need to let go of worldly attachments and listen to God. [17:19]

- Mentorship is crucial for spiritual development. Just as Elisha followed Elijah, we need to align ourselves with those who have experienced God deeply. This mentorship helps us grow and receive a greater measure of God's spirit. [22:15]

- The God of our spiritual ancestors is still present today. Elisha's question, "Where is the God of Elijah?" challenges us to seek the same God who worked powerfully in the past, affirming that God is unchanging and His power is available to us now. [24:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:47] - Spiritual Legacy and God's Plan
- [01:30] - Eternal Value of Spiritual Heritage
- [02:44] - Elijah's Transition and Elisha's Request
- [04:01] - Desire for a Double Portion
- [05:27] - Spiritual Responsibility and Double Portion
- [06:16] - Prioritizing the Spiritual
- [07:23] - The Challenge of Seeking More of God
- [08:49] - Elisha's Commitment and Journey
- [11:22] - The Process of Spiritual Development
- [17:19] - Leaving the Past Behind
- [18:37] - Hearing God's Voice at Bethel
- [19:20] - Witnessing Miracles at Jericho
- [20:02] - Crossing the Jordan and Receiving the Mantle
- [24:30] - The Unchanging God of Our Ancestors

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Spiritual Legacy and the Life of Elijah and Elisha

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 71:18 - "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come."
2. 2 Kings 2:9 - "When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?' 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied."
3. Deuteronomy 21:17 - "He must acknowledge the son of his unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double share of all he has. That son is the first sign of his father’s strength. The right of the firstborn belongs to him."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 71:18 suggest about the importance of spiritual legacy? How does it relate to the sermon’s emphasis on passing down God’s power to future generations? [01:05]
2. In 2 Kings 2:9, what does Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit reveal about his priorities and desires? [03:37]
3. How does the concept of a double portion in Deuteronomy 21:17 relate to Elisha’s request and the responsibilities that come with it? [05:27]
4. What are the symbolic meanings of the locations Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan in Elisha’s journey with Elijah? [17:19]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between material legacy and spiritual legacy? Why is spiritual legacy considered more valuable? [01:49]
2. What does Elisha’s commitment to follow Elijah through various locations teach about the process of spiritual growth and maturity? [12:28]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of mentorship in receiving a double portion of God’s spirit? Why is it important to align with those who have experienced God deeply? [22:15]
4. What does Elisha’s question, "Where is the God of Elijah?" signify about the continuity of God’s presence and power across generations? [24:30]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: What kind of spiritual legacy are you currently building? How can you ensure it reflects God’s power and presence? [01:49]
2. Elisha prioritized spiritual over material gain. What are some practical ways you can prioritize seeking God’s presence and power in your daily life? [04:52]
3. Consider the stages of spiritual development represented by Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan. Which stage do you feel you are currently in, and what steps can you take to progress further? [17:19]
4. Identify a spiritual mentor in your life. How can you deepen this relationship to grow in your faith and potentially receive a greater measure of God’s spirit? [22:15]
5. Elisha’s journey required leaving the past behind. Is there something in your past that you need to let go of to fully embrace God’s calling for your life? [10:48]
6. How can you actively seek the God of your spiritual ancestors in your current circumstances? What practices can help you experience God’s unchanging power today? [24:30]
7. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from your spiritual legacy. What specific actions can you take to invest in their spiritual growth this week? [02:22]

Devotional

Day 1: The Eternal Value of Spiritual Heritage
Spiritual legacy transcends material wealth, offering an eternal impact that material possessions cannot. While material wealth is necessary for daily living, it pales in comparison to the spiritual heritage we can pass on to future generations. This legacy is not limited to our immediate family but extends to the broader spiritual family of God. By focusing on spiritual legacy, we ensure that God's power and presence are reflected in the lives of those who come after us. This is a call to prioritize what truly matters and to invest in the spiritual growth of others. [01:30]

Psalm 145:4-5 (ESV): "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."

Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally invest in spiritually this week, and how can you begin to do so today?


Day 2: Prioritizing the Spiritual Over the Material
Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit was a profound desire for more of God's presence and power, not for material gain. This reflects a deep spiritual hunger that prioritizes the eternal over the temporal. In a world that often values material success, this challenges us to evaluate our desires and seek God above all else. By prioritizing the spiritual, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open ourselves to receive more of His spirit. [04:52]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: What is one material desire you can set aside this week to focus more on seeking God's presence?


Day 3: The Journey of Spiritual Growth
Elisha's journey with Elijah through Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan symbolizes stages of spiritual development. Each location represents a step in leaving the past behind, hearing God's voice, witnessing His power, and receiving a spiritual legacy. This journey emphasizes the importance of discipleship and spiritual maturity. By embracing this process, we grow in our faith and become more attuned to God's leading in our lives. [17:19]

Hebrews 6:1 (ESV): "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God."

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you need to leave the past behind and embrace God's voice today?


Day 4: The Importance of Spiritual Mentorship
Just as Elisha followed Elijah, we need to align ourselves with those who have experienced God deeply. Spiritual mentorship is crucial for growth and receiving a greater measure of God's spirit. By learning from those who have walked the path before us, we gain wisdom and insight that can guide us in our own spiritual journey. This mentorship helps us grow in faith and equips us to pass on a spiritual legacy to others. [22:15]

Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."

Reflection: Who is a spiritual mentor you can reach out to this week for guidance and wisdom in your faith journey?


Day 5: Seeking the Unchanging God
Elisha's question, "Where is the God of Elijah?" challenges us to seek the same God who worked powerfully in the past. This affirms that God is unchanging and His power is available to us now. By seeking the God of our spiritual ancestors, we tap into the same divine power and presence that transformed their lives. This is an invitation to trust in God's unchanging nature and to seek His presence in our own lives today. [24:30]

Malachi 3:6 (ESV): "For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed."

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek God's presence in your life today, trusting in His unchanging nature and power?

Quotes


The question that I want to raise today through the life of Elijah is what kind of spiritual Legacy are you leaving behind God never meant his program to stop because there was no Legacy to carry it on all through the scripture his plan and program in the world would be carried on through him being transferred from one generation to another. [00:00:47]

Elisha said please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me Elisha tells Elijah I want twice as much God as you have let a double portion of your spirit rest on me I want twice as much God on me as I saw on you and as we have already seen there's a whole bunch of God on Elijah. [00:03:34]

Now a lot of us ask God for a double portion but it's usually not this we want a double portion we want a bigger house we want a nicer car we want more material gain we want greater career we want more stuff but when is the last time you've gone big on God for more of him. [00:04:33]

He says I want a double portion of God on me now he didn't just make that up in uh Deuteronomy chapter 21:1 17 the Bible says the double portion would come to the firstborn son so it was a unique privilege given to the firstborn because the firstborn son would incur more responsibility. [00:05:11]

He made the spiritual more important than the material now we all know the material is important you need a place to live you need clothes on your back you need food in your stomach I'm not suggesting that the material isn't critical I am saying it is always a problem if it's First. [00:06:26]

If you going to get more of God you got to kiss something goodbye if if you going to get more of God you can't just be carrying on life as usual I'm I'm going to W you as my successor but if if you go if you going to get this thing you wind up asking me for a little bit later. [00:10:24]

The reason why we don't get more of God is we don't want to kiss stuff goodbye we become so attached we become so committed that when God wants to take us to a new spiritual level we are so embracing where we are we're not willing to sacrifice that to get more. [00:10:59]

God will test your commitment cuz he don't just believe what you say cuz anybody can talk smack anybody can talk noise I love the Lord I heard his cry you know he's so wide you can't get over he's so high he's so low you know you you can talk Ros of Sharon bar in Gilead. [00:12:43]

Discipleship is that developmental process that moves people along spiritually so in 1919 he puts the manle on him in 2:9 2 Kings 2:9 he asked for a double portion but in between he must be developed and so you have him walking him through these different locations for development. [00:16:32]

The first place Elijah took Elisha was to gilgal what happened in gilgal the scripture says in gilgal God remov the reproach of Egypt from Israel in gilgal God removed the reproach of Israel from Egypt you see when the children of Israel left Egypt they couldn't forget Egypt. [00:17:06]

Bethl is where God changes you and reveals himself to you because you're in bethl which is called the house of God in other words he took him to the place where he could hear God for himself you see he took him first to gilgal because he needed to know you'll never hear God as long as you're listening to the world. [00:18:37]

He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said where is the Lord the god of Elijah and when he also had struck the waters then they divided here and there and Elijah crossed over oh no you didn't no you didn't okay did you see what happened. [00:23:38]

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Transcript
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