Running the Race of Life

      "Runners in relay events customarily carry a baton around the track, passing it from teammate to teammate to the finish line. The baton makes the difference between success and failure. The fastest runners may lose if they fumble (or worse, drop) the baton. After Elijah had run his difficult race, God commanded that he pass his prophetic mission to Elisha (2 Kings 2:1-15). But it wasn't enough for Elisha to move into the prophetic office. They had to exchange the baton of faith.

      Elijah's faith had a physical symbol. His work for God evidently had been so identified with the cloak he wore, that God chose the mantle as proof of Elisha's commission.

      When it came time for Elijah to be taken into heaven, he and Elisha were at Gilgal. Elijah suggested that Elisha remain, but Elisha insisted on going along to Bethel. At Bethel and Jericho Elisha again refused to stop. He crossed the Jordan with Elijah into the wilderness.

     Elisha was preparing for the handoff. He knew that it was important for the rest of the prophets to see them together. He also loved Elijah and wanted to extend his learning from the master until the last moment. When Elijah asked if Elisha had a last request to make of him, Elisha knew an intimidating responsibility would momentarily be his. If he were to follow in Elijah's footsteps, he would need the strength of the Spirit of God. So he boldly asked for a double portion--the eldest son's share--of Elijah's spirit.

     Elijah replied that this would be difficult. God could easily give strength, but could Elisha bear to receive it? A double measure of strength meant a double measure of responsibility and hardship.

     So Elisha received more than a prophet's mantle when Elijah was received by God. In the same way, Jesus has thrown down his cross. Those who pick it up as an act of faith carry the world's rejection forward, and with it the heir's double portion of the Spirit. Ahead lies the finish line and the waiting crown.

              

--excerpt from Running the Race: A Graduate's Guide to Life by R.C. Sproul. As you might have noticed Josh did not write this and that is because he is away in Mexico. Pray for him and the team (I don't think we can say that enough:)).