July 29

After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. — 2 Kgs 2:9 BSB

Elisha’s request reveals his heart. He didn’t ask for wealth, power, or honor; he wanted more spiritual power. He had seen his master, Elijah, in action—his zeal for God, his courage, and his intense devotion—and he wanted to inherit a large portion of that same spirit. Above all, Elisha desired to be a better person, a more effective servant of God, and to do more for the Lord’s kingdom. This is a good lesson for all of us. We should seek, above all else, the qualities, virtues, and graces that make a noble character.

There’s something else we can learn here. Elisha admired Elijah and wanted to be like him. This is commendable. Our ultimate example is Christ, and we should always strive to imitate Him. No other model is perfect. But God also gives us glimpses of His beauty through the lives of His followers, and it’s right to admire and imitate those who reflect Christ. Paul said, “Be imitators of me.” Every parent should live in such a way that their children, by imitating them, are drawn closer to Christ. It’s natural and good to desire to have the same qualities we admire in others. Whether we realize it or not, we grow to resemble those we admire and love.