I love the story of Elijah and Elisha, it is the perfect picture of how we as “fathers” need to train the next generation and how young people should react to getting all God has for them. It is the picture of Malachi 4:5-6 the hearts of the fathers turned to the children and the hearts of the children turned back to the fathers…

In 2 Kings 2:1-14 we find Elijah about ready to be taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, I love to call it the “Whirlwind anointing”! Elisha is walking with his master Elijah leaving the city of Gilgal. Now Gilgal means
circumcision. As fathers of the church, we are to circumcise the next generation; cut the things from their lives and their hearts that hinder them from knowing their God. Elijah circumcised Elisha’s heart.

They left Gilgal and traveled to Bethel. Elijah told Elisha to stay in Gilgal and Elisha refused! Bethel means
“House of God” We must teach the next generation what it means to have community. To worship and have covenant with a community of radical believers… where do you “Gather” it is important that we can call it God and tell our kids that this is what God looks like; true community or the “House of God”.

Elijah told Elisha to stay in Bethel, but he says; “As surly as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you”. So they went to Jericho. Jericho means
“Fragrance of God” We need to spend so much time with Him that we literally start to smell like Him. Intimacy, we must live it and teach the next generation to live there; it is the only safe place! After Elijah asks him to stay Elisha refused again, so they went to the Jordon. Jordon means
subdue. To take “Dominion” over every place the Lord gives you; you have authority and the promise that everywhere you place your foot, it’s yours! Do you believe that?!

Elijah rolls his cloak up, strikes the water with it and it parts, (just like for Moses) Elijah says to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. Elijah says, “It is a difficult thing you ask, but if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours, otherwise not”!

See, young people, Elisha refused to leave Elijah until he received a “Double Portion” of what he had; you have to be desperate to have the things of God. You need to allow “masters” “fathers” natural or spiritual to circumcise your heart, teach you community, intimacy with Jesus and how to take dominion. Fathers, you must take the time to teach the next generation how to, as Paul said, “Watch my life, do what I do and you will be Godly”! Throw your “Cloak” on them and young person; don’t leave until you get it!!!

Elisha did exactly double the miracles as Elijah; do we want a generation to pass us? YES!