Attention

Read: 2 Kings 2:1-18

Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” 2 Kings 2:12

IN WORD

Elisha had made a request of his mentor: to receive a double share of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah gave him a very specific answer: “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t” (2 Kings 2:10). Then as the two men were walking together, a chariot of fire appeared between them, and a whirlwind took Elijah up. This was no casual event.

Perhaps this was Elisha’s test of whether he really wanted a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. After all, if chariots and horses of fire suddenly appear, it would be pretty easy to take one’s eyes off of the person standing next to him. Only someone hanging on to a specific instruction to stay focused could keep watching the master. As Elijah and the chariot ascended with the whirlwind, Elisha made it clear where his focus was: “My father! My father!” He knew his answer; the difficult thing for which he’d asked would be given to him.

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and struck the waters of the Jordan with it, asking, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14). But this was simply a confirmation of what he already knew. In an extremely chaotic and fantastic experience, Elisha had kept his eyes on his master. He demonstrated how badly he wanted the spirit of Elijah.

IN DEED

How badly do you want God’s Spirit to rest on you? Yes, you’re already born of His Spirit, but do you hunger for the evidence of His touch in your life? Are you focused enough that daily life, unexpected distractions, and even wild horses of fire will not take your gaze off of your master? If so, your sense of expectation will be rewarded in full. God always pours Himself out on those who hunger exclusively for Him. He never disappoints those who keep their eyes on Him despite the dramatic—and completely undramatic—distractions of life.

ADDITIONAL READING: Hebrews 12:2

A man’s heart has only enough life in it to pursue one object fully.

CHARLES SPURGEON