The concept of receiving a “double portion” is found in a few places in the Bible, most notably when Elisha asks Elijah for a double portion of his spirit before Elijah is taken up to heaven (2 Kings 2:9). So what exactly does it mean to receive a double portion? Here are some key things to understand:
It refers to an heir receiving a double inheritance
In ancient Israel, when a father died, his inheritance would be divided among his sons. However, the eldest son who was to carry on his father’s name and role would receive a “double portion” of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). So Elisha, as Elijah’s disciple and successor, was asking for the inheritance fitting of an heir – a double portion of Elijah’s spirit and power.
It signifies a request for greater spiritual empowerment
By asking for a double portion, Elisha was not demonstrating greed or selfishness. Rather, he knew that in order to carry on Elijah’s prophetic ministry and perform miracles, he needed an extra measure of God’s power. Elisha remembered how Elijah did twice as many miracles as he had done, so he asked the Lord for twice as much spiritual empowerment to serve Him.
It represents a fuller measure of the Holy Spirit
Ultimately, receiving a double portion represents being filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit in greater measure. All believers have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them when they put their faith in Christ (Romans 8:9). However, we can always ask for and experience more of the Spirit’s work and power in our lives. Elisha desired this, knowing he needed to minister in a mighty way.
Examples of people receiving a double portion:
Elisha himself
After Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle and struck the Jordan River, and God parted the waters for him, just as He had done for Elijah (2 Kings 2:14). This signified that Elisha had indeed received the double portion he requested. He went on to perform twice as many miracles as Elijah.
The 72 disciples sent out by Jesus
In Luke 10, Jesus appointed 72 disciples and sent them out, giving them power and authority over demons and diseases. They experienced tremendous miracles and spiritual empowerment for ministry. This was like receiving a double portion compared to what was normal.
Believers at Pentecost
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit was poured out powerfully on believers at the Day of Pentecost. They were so filled with the Spirit that onlookers thought they were drunk! Peter said it was a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy about God pouring out His Spirit in great measure (Acts 2:17-18).
The early church experiencing miracles
The book of Acts records many miraculous signs and wonders performed through the apostles and early believers. There are healings, people raised from the dead, miracles that lead many to put their faith in Christ. This was a double portion blessing of God’s power on the church.
Why ask for a double portion?
To be empowered for greater ministry and service
Like Elisha, we may seek more of the Spirit’s empowerment so we can serve God in greater ways. More spiritual power means more potential to impact lives for Christ.
To experience more of God’s supernatural power
We do not have to be satisfied with a “normal” Christian life devoid of God’s supernatural work. Asking for a double portion is asking for more miracles, healings, provisions – things onlypossible through His power.
To be more bold and courageous for God
A greater measure of the Holy Spirit can give us boldness and courage to follow Christ, be His witnesses, and confront evil in this world. The fearful disciples became fearless preachers after being filled with the Spirit.
To have greater spiritual resources for trials
Life’s trials and storms can overwhelm us. But being filled to overflowing with God’s Spirit gives us strength, endurance, hope, and resources we would not have otherwise. We need His extra grace.
To be more effective vessels for God’s glory
The more we are filled and led by the Holy Spirit, the brighter God’s glory can shine through us. Empty vessels must be filled to overflowing for there to be an outpouring.
To live in greater victory over sin and the flesh
Sin craves to have dominion over us. But the Spirit’s power in us enables us to crucify sinful desires and say no to temptations (Galatians 5:16). Walking in the Spirit leads to victory.
How can we receive a double portion?
Earnestly desire and pray for it
We receive what we earnestly pursue. Cry out to God from your heart for a fresh infusion and filling of His Spirit. Cultivate spiritual hunger for more of Him.
Yield every area of your life to the Holy Spirit
To be filled with the Spirit, we cannot hold anything back. Surrender your whole being – dreams, time, finances, relationships – to His control. The more we yield, the more He fills.
Walk in obedience to God’s Word
Obedience positions us for overflowing blessings of the Spirit. As we obey God’s voice and align our lives with His ways, He rewards us with more of Himself.
Develop greater spiritual hunger and thirst
As we feel more dissatisfied with a lukewarm, status-quo faith, and cultivate a hunger for God like the deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1), it positions us for the filling of the Spirit.
Make room for more of the Spirit
We must clean out everything that would quench, grieve or resist the Holy Spirit. Sinful habits and attitudes limit how much the Spirit can fill us. Confess and surrender it all.
Step out in faith
Taking courageous steps of faith often opens the door for God to pour out His Spirit in new ways. He waits for humble dependence and trust in Him to do the impossible.
Associate with spiritually hungry people
When we fellowship with others who have a vibrant, contagious passion for God, it sparks spiritual hunger in our own souls. Their fire ignites our fire for more.
What happens when we receive a double portion?
Greater power and effectiveness for ministry
Like Elisha, we will see God work through us in supernatural ways that are beyond our natural abilities. More of His power flows through willing, yielded vessels.
Become a bold witness for Christ
Timidness and fear of man fade away as the Spirit’s boldness manifests through us. We have power to share the Gospel and be “living epistles” for Christ.
Cultivate spiritual gifts
The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts as He determines. When we steward His gifts, He entrusts us with more giftedness to use for His glory.
Develop Christ-like character
The fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23) – blossoms in new ways. The image of Jesus is more clearly reflected in our lives.
Greater discernment of God’s voice
Our spiritual ears become more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s “still small voice.” We gain clarity in hearing and understanding His leading.
A new song and praise to God
Like those filled with the Spirit in Acts 2, we are given a new song and language of praise to worship God (Acts 2:4). Our praise takes on new depths.
Increased spiritual hunger for God’s presence
The more we experience of God, the more we want of Him. Being filled creates greater appetite for more. New levels of spiritual hunger are awakened.
Renewed passion and zeal for Christ
Lukewarmness is replaced with fiery devotion to Jesus. We gain fresh passion to pursue Him above all else and live wholeheartedly for Him.
Hindrances to receiving a double portion:
Sin and disobedience
Sin erects barriers between us and God. It stifles the Spirit’s work and quenches His flame in us. Disobedience also limits how much He can entrust us with.
Wrong motives and attitudes
If we desire a double portion out of selfish ambition or pride, the Lord likely will not grant it. Humility, dependency, and hunger for God’s glory are key.
Idols and misplaced priorities
When anything displaces Christ as first in our lives, it prevents the fuller flow of the Spirit. Examine what may be an idol competing for your affections.
Busyness, distraction, and neglecting time with God
Too much activity crowds out time to wait on God and cultivate spiritual hunger. We must slow down, disconnect, and rediscover joy in His presence.
A critical, unbelieving attitude
Doubting God’s willingness or ability to greatly fill and empower us hinders us from receiving more of the Spirit. Renew childlike faith.
Lukewarmness, apathy, and spiritual dullness
If we grow satisfied with status-quo Christianity, the fire and passion for more of God’s Spirit may fade. Complacency must be shaken off.
Lack of expectation and anticipation
Not earnestly expecting God to fill us more and more quenches our hunger. But we must cultivate expectancy that He wants to do immeasurably more.
In conclusion:
Receiving a double portion represents a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit that empowers us for greater ministry impact, spiritual gifts, miracles, victory over sin, intimacy with Christ, and more. Like Elisha, we should earnestly seek after and expect God to grant us this kind of supernatural power and fullness – for His glory and furthering of His Kingdom. As we walk in obedience, deal with sin, hunger and thirst for righteousness, God delights to pour out His Spirit without measure upon His yielded vessels. We serve a God for whom nothing is impossible, including double portion blessings to spiritually hungry hearts.