A question came to me in September 2014…”Is it scriptural to put a demand on the anointing?” For the past 8 months I have been revisiting this and I can definitely say with assurance – Yes, it is scriptural to put a demand on the anointing!
In the book of 2 Kings chapter 2 we read a historical biblical account about a mentor and his mentee -Elijah and Elisha. Elijah knew that his time was drawing near for him to be taken up in a whirlwind to heaven thus, he tried to part ways with Elisha on several occasions as his earthly mission culminated. Elisha was forewarned from the sons of the prophets at Bethel and Jericho that the Lord was going to away his master from him on that very day. However, Elisha’s determination to stay close by his leader was evident when he repeatedly said to his master, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!”
After Elijah performed his last and final earthly miracle by striking the waters of the Jordan river with his mantle so that he and his servant Elisha could cross over on dry ground, he asked, “What may I do for you before I am taken away from you?” Elisha’s response was direct and to the point, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” The very fact that he followed his spiritual mentor closely both spiritually and physically was the onset of putting a demand on receiving his mantle or anointing. Elisha understood that in order for him to inherit the mantle he had to be in close proximity and nothing was going to cause him to miss the opportunity to become the spiritual successor of all that Elijah possessed. He put a demand on the anointing by being in positional authority and asking directly and specifically for what he wanted. He did not allow people or circumstances to deter him from going after what he wanted; he remained focused and steadfast. Most importantly, he witnessed and learned from his mentor on how to operate in the gift that he sought after. He paid close attention on how Elijah functioned in his God-given ministry and he remained teachable. Matthew 10:24 (NIV) admonishes us that, “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.”
Elijah’s answer to his servants request only reinforces the truth that in order to receive a double portion of his spirit, Elisha would have to be in position and within close proximity at the appointed time.
So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so. 2 Kings 2:10 (NKJV)
Interestingly, after Elijah was taken up by a whirlwind into heaven Elisha saw it because he was in the right place at the right time! Elisha did not hesitate to test the proof that he received what he demanded- the anointing! He took hold to his master’s mantle and went back to the Jordan river and struck the water and saw the manifested miracle that his mentor had just performed. How did he know to do that? He watched when Elijah was teaching…
My pastor always instruct us in getting “proofs” in prayer, our gifts, talents or whatever God has called us to do. The scriptures says that even the sons of the prophets recognized upon his return that, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha”. They did not need to confirm the spiritual transaction that took place because they were not present when it happened. However, they were confirming the manifested “proofs” that they witnessed through the miracle that Elisha performed by striking the waters of the Jordan and crossing over on dry ground. They saw immediate proof in Elisha’s ministry that he possessed Elijah’s anointing.
Elisha, putting a demand on the anointing is evident; it is recorded in the scriptures that he performed more miracles than Elijah. His putting a demand on the anointing and immediately receiving what he specifically asked for brings a final conclusion to the question, “Is it scriptural to put a demand on the anointing?” Yes, it is scriptural to put a demand on the anointing!
As a final word, I received this in my spirit last week during my time of devotion and I want to share it with my readers:
Now is the time! Put a demand on the anointing or mantle that you seek after and you shall possess your possessions.
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