2 Kings 2:9,15 “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” “And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha…“
Introduction
In the body of Christ there are so many brethren who misunderstand what true anointing looks like. So, of them think that anointing is being too loud and also emotional especially when you are ministering in a church gathering. There are others who believe that if you are popular, charismatic and wealthy then you are anointed. But the biblical view of anointing is primarily different in that its God’s empowerment for His purposes. For instance, Jesus was anointed to preach, heal, deliver and restore the broken hearted according to Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…” The evidence of anointing is transformed lives and obedience to God.
Many believers secretly and even openly look at highly anointed men and women of God and wonder and ask themselves:
- Why does that preacher carry greater power and authority than me?
- Why do their prayers seem to get immediate answers?
- Why do some people hear God’s voice more clearly than me?
- Why do some people see more miracles while I struggle?
- Why am I not as anointed as others?
The answer is not always because God loves some people more than others. Remember we know that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). The difference is often found in hunger, sacrifice, obedience, preparation, and faithfulness. Elisha became greatly anointed, but before the double portion came, there was a process.
Some Refuse to Leave Their Comfort Zone.
Elisha had a comfortable life before his calling. He owned oxen and had a future. Yet he left it all. Elisha burned his oxen and left his former life. 1 Kings 19:21 “Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.” He removed his backup plan.
Brethren did you know that a person trying to cross a river cannot remain on both banks. At some point commitment becomes necessary. Even Abraham left his home country so that he can receive God’s blessings according to Genesis 12:1 “Get thee out of thy country… unto a land that I will shew thee.” Growth often begins where comfort ends. Hence, believers were not called merely to remain comfortable.
Some Want the Anointing but Not the Price.
Elisha wanted Elijah’s anointing. But before receiving it, he followed Elijah from:
- Gilgal (The first was Gilgal (2 Kings 2:1). Gilgal represents new beginnings,consecration, and preparation for victory. Many believers get saved but never grow beyond spiritual infancy. Some remain spiritual babies for years. Hebrews 6:1)
- Bethel (“Bethel” comes from Hebrew and means “House of God.” or “place where God dwells.”
- Jericho (Jericho comes from Hebrew and means “place of fragrance.” Jericho represented a stronghold standing in the way of God’s people. So, others stopped at Jericho, but Elisha kept following 2 Kings 2:4)
- Jordan (Jordan means a place of crossing into God’s promise. Jordan was Elisha’s final test before receiving the mantle. Many people are faithful until the final challenge. Then they quit. Hebrews 10:36 “Ye have need of patience…” Many breakthroughs occur just beyond the point where people are tempted to stop.)
Many want the crown without the cross. For instance, two students want to become doctors. One studies while others sleep. The other only dreams about success. Years later both receive different results. The difference was not desire alone. The difference was commitment. Luke 9:23 “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily…” Many of us admire powerful believers but do not see their hidden sacrifices.
Some Want Public Power Without Private Prayer.
Before public ministry comes private preparation. An arrow must first be pulled backward before moving forward. so many of the delays are actually preparations. Every major servant of God experienced a wilderness experience. Remember that the anointing grows in secret places. For instance: Moses spent 40 years in Midian; David lived in caves; Joseph went through prison and Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness. We see that Jesus spent nights in prayer. Luke 5:16 “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed.” The disciples saw Jesus perform miracles. What they did not always see was His private communion with the Father. Likewise, public anointing is supported by private devotion.
Familiarity Can Kill Honor.
According to Mark 6:4 “A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country…” Did you know that familiarity often blinds people to God’s gifts. For instance, the sons of the prophets saw Elijah often. Yet Elisha received the mantle. Why? Because Elisha honored what others merely observed.
Some Ignore the Process God Uses.
Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God…”
But instead, some people want the mantle (anointing) but ignore the mantle carrier. Before leading nations, he served faithfully. Before elevation came service. Many want the platform. Few want the preparation.
God often uses people to train people. For instance: Joshua served Moses. Timothy served Paul. Elisha served Elijah. Did you know that before Elisha received Elijah’s mantle, he honoured him and was even his servant. 2 Kings 3:11 “Elisha… poured water on the hands of Elijah.”
Some Quit Too Early Because They Want Instant Results.
Mark 4:28 “First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.”
We live in a generation that wants everything immediately. Many people quit when they do not see immediate results. Yet Elisha served Elijah for years before receiving the mantle. Galatians 6:9 “Let us not be weary in well doing…” But spiritual maturity takes time. For instance, Three times Elijah told Elisha to stay behind. Three times Elisha refused. 2 Kings 2:2 “As the Lord liveth… I will not leave thee.” Persistence preceded promotion. Many believers stop praying just before breakthrough. The anointing often comes to those who keep going.
Some Have Not Developed Spiritual Hunger Instead They Distracted by Worldly Pursuits.
The anointing often follows hunger. The anointing thrives where God has first place. Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…”
Many believers seek: Money first, success first and comfort first and then seek God afterward. Instead, Elisha sought spiritual inheritance above earthly gain. We see that Elisha did not ask for money or fame. He asked for a double portion. Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness…” For instance, a thirsty person desperately searches for water. A hungry believer desperately searches for God. In the same way God responds to spiritual hunger.
Some Compare Themselves Instead of Growing.
Most of us compare ourselves to some famous ministers of the gospel Instead of comparing ourselves to God’s purpose for our lives.
John 21:21-22 Jesus told Peter: “ When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” …As for you, follow me.” God never asked Peter to become John. God asks each believer to follow Christ faithfully. Comparison kills spiritual growth. 2 Corinthians 10:12 “They measuring themselves by themselves… are not wise.” God has assigned different callings. For instance, Elijah and Elisha were different. Peter and John were different. Paul and Barnabas were different.
Some Have Different Assignments.
Not everyone is called to do the same thing. For instance, An apple tree cannot produce oranges or mangos. Each tree flourishes by becoming what God designed it to be. So, in the same way your assignment is unique. That is why the Bible says in Romans 12:6 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…” Some are:
- Evangelists
- Teachers
- Prophets
- Pastors
- Intercessors
- Worship leaders
Always remember that God distributes gifts according to His purpose. Different assignments require different measures of grace.
What Made Elisha Different?
Elisha received the double portion because he:
- Left everything behind (1 Kings 19:19-21).
- Served faithfully.
- Followed persistently.
- Refused discouragement.
- Desired spiritual things.
- Passed the test of loyalty.
- Stayed until the mantle fell.
- Believed God for more.
When the mantle finally fell, the sons of the prophets declared: ““The spirit {ruach} of Elijah (my God is YHWH) rests on Elisha (God is salvation).” (2 Kings 2:15)
Some Have Not Been Faithful With What They Already Have.
God often increases what is being used. Luke 16:10 “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Many pray for greater anointing while neglecting current opportunities. Faithfulness attracts increase. For instance, a farmer who neglects one acre of farmland should not expect God to entrust him with a hundred acres. because he failed to make maximum use of the one acre.
Some Focus More on Gifts Than Character.
Character sustains what gifts attract. Many people want:
- Prophecy
- Healing
- Miracles
But neglect: Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is as important as the gifts of the Spirit.
- Love
- Integrity
- Humility (Humility says: “Lord, teach me.” “Lord, correct me.” “Lord, change me.” Always remember that rainwater always flows to low places. Likewise, God’s grace flows toward humble hearts.)
The Anointing Flows Through Consecration.
The Holy Spirit fills yielded vessels. Romans 12:1 “Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” Consecration means:
- Obedience
- Holiness
- Surrender
- Separation unto God
The more yielded the vessel, the greater the flow. The anointing is not merely a blessing. It is also a responsibility. Luke 12:48 “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”
Some Are Carrying Spiritual Leaks.
A bucket with holes cannot remain full. Likewise spiritual power leaks through:
- Pride (Pride says: “I already know enough.” “Nobody can teach me.” “I don’t need correction.”)
- Unforgiveness
- Bitterness
- Disobedience
- Hidden sin
Ephesians 4:30 “Grieve not the holy Spirit of God…” The Holy Spirit desires a clean vessel.
Some Do Not Guard Their Spiritual Fire.
Always remember that anointing can grow cold.2 Timothy 1:6 “Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee…” Fire requires fuel. The anointing grows where spiritual habits are cultivated. Spiritual strength is usually built through daily consistency rather than occasional intensity.
The believer must continually feed spiritual passion through:
- Prayer (Daniel prayed consistently Daniel 6:10 “He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed.”)
- Worship
- Scripture
- Fellowship
The Anointing Is Given for Service, Not Status.
Many people seek the anointing to become famous. God gives anointing to serve people. According to Acts 10:38 “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good…”
The purpose of anointing is:
- To help people
- To heal people
- To preach the Gospel
- To glorify Christ
Not to promote ourselves.
7 Godly Steps To Help You Grow in Your Anointing.
1. Spend More Time With God: James 4:8 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
2. Develop Consistent Prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
3. Study God’s Word Daily: Joshua 1:8 Faith and spiritual maturity grow through Scripture.
4. Serve Faithfully: Serve where God has planted you.
5. Walk in Obedience: Obedience releases spiritual authority.
6. Remain Humble: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
7. Stay Hungry for God: Never become spiritually satisfied.
Conclusion.
The question is not merely: “Why am I not as anointed as others?” A better question is: “Am I willing to pursue God the way they pursued Him?”
Brethren ask yourself these questions:
- Am I as hungry for God as Elisha was?
- Am I willing to pay the price of prayer?
- Am I faithful in small things?
- Am I teachable?
- Am I obedient?
- Am I pursuing God’s presence above everything else?
When Elisha received the mantle, people said: “The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha.” (2 Kings 2:15). May people one day look at your life and say: “The Spirit of God is upon this servant because they have walked closely with the Lord.” “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” — Isaiah 40:31.
Elisha’s double portion did not arrive in a day. It came after years of service, sacrifice, loyalty, perseverance, and hunger. If you continue seeking God, serving faithfully, obeying His voice, and remaining hungry for His presence, God can increase His grace and effectiveness in your life according to His purpose.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18
The goal is not to become another Elijah, another Elisha, or another preacher you admire. The goal is to become the fullest version of the servant God has called you to be, empowered by His Spirit and faithful to your assignment.
The Anointing Is Not the Ultimate Goal
This may be the most important truth of all. The ultimate goal is not:
- A larger ministry.
- Greater gifts.
- More miracles.
- More recognition.
The ultimate goal is Christ Himself. Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him…” Paul’s deepest desire was not power but relationship.
5 Powerful Prayers To Help Growing In Your Anointing.
1. Heavenly Father, forgive me for every sin of comparison and envy. Lord, deliver me from jealousy toward those who appear more anointed than I am, in Jesus name.
2. Heavenly Father, teach me to celebrate the success and calling of others. O Lord, remove every root of insecurity from my heart, in Jesus name.
3. Let every spirit of discouragement assigned against my spiritual growth, leave me now in Jesus’ name.
4. Heavenly Father, increase my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. O Lord, teach me obedience in both small and great matters, in Jesus name.
5. O Lord Jesus, make me all that You have called me to be and let Your glory be revealed through my life.
Pastor Nathaniel
Recommended Post:
https://mtmchurch.org/know-the-mysterious-power-of-the-anointing-oil-now/
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