And the message in 2 Kings gets even better. Elijah is humbled by the loyal support and turns to Elisha and asks him what he would like as a reward for loyalty. Does Elisha ask for his cattle, gold or land? No, he asks “May I receive a double portion of your spirit”…..for a faith in God above as strong as Elijah’s. Would we have made the same request if our dying loved one asked us to choose something of theirs for us to keep? Would we say how grateful we would be to wear their gold ring as a remembrance or would our choice be what is really important - a faith and belief that is as strong as theirs as they await heaven? We can take the time to reflect on the wonderful qualities that Elisha displayed in this reading and see if we too can find ways that we can demonstrate our loyalty to those near and dear to us and to learn to value not what is temporal but to value the gift we cherish above all others—true faith. |