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. - 2 Kings 2:9

Today’s Scripture Reading (June 3, 2013): 2 Kings 2

Until recently, the “heir apparent” of a British ruler could lose the throne by either becoming a Catholic or marrying one. (An “heir apparent” is an heir who cannot be removed from succession by the normal events of life. In contrast, an “heir presumptive” can lose their place in succession by the birth (or in some cases the adoption) of a more suitable heir. This is often the case in a male dominant society where the current heirs are women. In that case, the woman occupying the first place in the chain of succession would be termed “heir presumptive” because the birth of a male child would then displace the woman from her primary position in the line of succession.) But in Britain, religious affiliation has been a sufficient enough reason to also remove a person from the line of succession. Of course, the reason for this is that the King (or Queen) is also traditionally the head of the Church of England – which you cannot be if you are bowing the knee to the Pope in Rome. Recent changes in succession laws now allow for the future ruler of the British Empire to marry a Catholic – but being one is still out of the question.

Elijah gives Elisha a fantastic invitation. Before I die, what is it that you want from me? Elijah had to have the confidence – and the trust – that what Elisha was going to ask for he would be in a position to give – or that it would be something that God would give. Elisha’s request was for a double portion of what it was the Elijah had. Some experts have talked about the double prophetic gift of knowing what was coming next and of miracles that Elijah appeared to have. But the most natural interpretation of Elisha’s request is that he wanted to be named Elijah’s heir apparent. Of all of the prophets in the mysterious “school of prophets” mentioned in this part of the story, Elisha wants to be the one who is first in line for Elijah’s prophetic office.

In ancient times, the heir apparent was often given the double portion – or twice as much as any of the other heirs. And the reason for the double portion is that the heir apparent would assume the responsibilities of the one that was bestowing the inheritance. So in essence, Elisha is volunteering to assume the responsibility that Elijah has shouldered throughout his career.

It was a step of faith – and one that we are called to. Any organization is one generation away from extinction. And too often those that aspire to leadership are only after the perks of leadership, instead of being willing to chase the responsibilities. But it is precisely those responsibilities that drive an organization on toward success. And every organization needs Elisha’s who are willing to take on the responsibility of the double portion. Those responsibilities may not be easy, but shirking from them is definitely enough grounds to remove someone from any level of potential leadership.  

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 3