April 2 Maundy Thursday Wanting More of a Good Thing
For several years Elijah taught Elisha, who wanted to fill Elijah’s shoes – and then some. So Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. That’s not really a covetous desire! For the Spirit of God leads us into faith and into all that is good which reflects the Lord’s heart and work.
Think of Jesus. All that He said and did was good and Godly! That’s what Elisha wanted. And he got it! Elisha would serve quietly, and at the end fade away in sickness, no chariot of fire for him. It could be that a double portion of Elijah’s spirit was also necessary because keeping the faith while facing such an end required the Holy Spirit in abundance. And with only 7000 faithful people, Elisha would require more faith to mentor more spiritual leaders, something we also need today.
When Elisha was called by Elijah (I Kings 19), Elisha was plowing with a yoke of oxen in the field. He asked Elijah if he could kiss his parents. He was permitted this. But Elisha did something that showed he was not hesitant to serve his new prophetical office. The oxen were slaughtered in a fire stoked by their yoke. Elisha was all in! And the sacrifice was turned into a meal of thanksgiving for a call to serve.
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus was pointing to His coming sacrifice in the meal. He, too, would be “all-in” on His mission. And we can return repeatedly to the meal of divine mercy and strength that He left us, knowing we are never able to fill Jesus’ shoes, but always walking and growing with Him by faith. Jesus was not looking back. He was calling us forward, to take up our cross with Him, knowing death is not the end for us.
Prayer: : Lord God, give me the spiritual gifts I need now to be Your faithful servant.
Enable me to bear, with faith, the burdens that come with the blessings.
Provide Your Church with blessed pastors and teachers and servant-leaders of all kinds!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
