“Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.’ Elisah replied, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.’” (2 Kings 2:9 NLT)
The prophet Elisha followed his mentor and friend Elijah. As the end of Elijah’s life drew near, Elisha asked for a double portion of the Holy Spirit to carry on the difficult work of his teacher. And indeed, Elisha went on to accomplish great works for the Lord God.
At the end of the year, we also face a transition of sorts. In 2012, we have been celebrating “God At Work” in our church and community. God has indeed worked through us to accomplish amazing things! We have supported missions like the Community Center of Hope, Active Older Adults, and senior bus, packed Christmas shoeboxes, sent tons of hurricane relief supplies to New Jersey, and sent a mission work team to Pine Lake. Our Sunday School is thriving for kids and adults, we had an awesome VBS program, and a great youth group. We have shown hospitality to strangers at the Bike Break, the Log Jam, the Thanksgiving dinner, and the community services. We have prayed countless hours for countless people and seen miracles occur before our very eyes.
Come 2013, we might do well to pray for Elisha’s “double share of spirit,” that we have strength and gifts for the work ahead. Our theme for the 2013 commitment campaign kicking off in January is “Think Greater!” We have done great things, but with God’s help we will do even greater things than these!
As we conclude 2012, this is a time to finish strong and plan for even greater strength in the new year. We need some extra help financially to close out 2012. If you can contribute more, please consider being generous in this season of giving! May a blessing of peace rest upon you this Christmas season!
Pastor Park