A dramatic cinematic wide shot of a blazing chariot of fire with flaming horses ascending into a stormy sky while the prophet Elisha watches from rocky ground below.

Getting Read to Leave, Getting Ready for More | 2 Kings 1-15

Posted on by Harvest Church

As Elijah prepares to depart and Elisha asks for a double portion, we are called to live ready for Christ’s return while pursuing more of God’s power—so examine your life today and commit to not settling where you are.

1. Purged at Gilgal: A Call to Sanctification

Before experiencing more of God, there must be a cutting away of the flesh. Gilgal represents a place of spiritual purification where the reproach of the past is removed. If we are going to be ready to leave this world, we must first allow God to cleanse us deeply. Sanctification is not optional—it is preparation for both departure and empowerment.

2. Refusing to Settle at Bethel

Bethel, the house of God, is essential—but it is not the destination. Many stop at church activity without pursuing true transformation. Elisha refused to stay comfortable in religious routine. If we want more of God, we cannot settle for attendance without hunger—we must pursue His presence beyond familiarity.

3. Victory Over Jericho (The World)

Jericho represents the world system that opposes God. Elisha chose not to dwell where compromise lives. In a culture increasingly distant from truth, believers must remain separate and committed. Getting ready for more requires victory over worldly influence and a refusal to be shaped by it.

4. Facing the Jordan: Overcoming Obstacles

The Jordan River stood as a barrier, yet it parted when struck in faith. Every believer will face obstacles, but readiness for both eternity and greater anointing requires persistence. Faith confronts barriers and trusts God to make a way forward.

5. Asking for More: The Double Portion

In Second Book of Kings 2:9–10, Elisha boldly asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This was not ambition—it was awareness of the times. In a world growing darker, we need more of God, not less. The promise is clear: those who remain faithful and focused will receive what they seek.

Sermon Key Points

  • You must be spiritually purged before you can be spiritually empowered
  • Don’t settle in religious routine when God is calling you deeper
  • Victory over the world is essential for walking in God’s fullness
  • Obstacles are overcome through persistent, active faith
  • A hunger for more of God positions you to receive a double portion
  • Faithfulness determines whether you experience the promise
  • You can live ready for Christ’s return while still pursuing more of Him
2 Kings 2:1-8 (NKJV)
1 And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Bethel.”
But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down to Bethel.
3 Now the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?”
And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent!”
4 Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Jericho.”
But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they came to Jericho.
5 Now the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?”
So he answered, “Yes, I know; keep silent!”
6 Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.”
But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of them went on. 7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan. 8 Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.
2 Kings 2:9-10 (NKJV)
9 And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?”
Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”
10 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 2:11-15 (NKJV)
11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.
15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him.