Crossroads
“When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.’ And Elisha replied, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.’
‘You have asked a difficult thing,’ Elijah replied. ‘If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.’”
– 2 Kings 2:9-10 NLT
Every person will eventually face a “crossroads” moment—a decision so defining it changes the course of their life. That may sound dramatic, but these moments don’t always feel that way at the time. Choices about family, career, church, or service can profoundly shape our lives and the direction we’re headed.
For me, Jesus has been nudging my heart to leave an inheritance for my children—not just a financial one, but something deeper. He’s leading me to pass on handwritten journals, Bibles, sermons, prayers, and questions. These tangible pieces of my faith and thoughts will be a legacy for my boys, beyond the files and downloads stored on a computer.
In the Scripture above, we see the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elisha made a life-defining decision to follow Elijah and pursue his calling as the prophet God would use to change the world. Elijah responded to Elisha’s request for a double portion of his spirit by saying, “You’ve asked a difficult thing.” Elijah added a condition: If Elisha remained present and saw him taken away, then his request would be granted.
This sets a powerful example. Elijah believed God would use Elisha to make a significant impact, but Elisha had to remain faithful, obedient, and present until the very end.
These three words—faithful, obedient, present—may not sound dramatic, but they are essential ingredients for a meaningful life, one that leaves an impact on others.
Elisha was faithful to Elijah. He stayed with him to the very end, learning from his example and witnessing God’s miraculous power at work. Elisha’s faithfulness positioned him to carry on Elijah’s legacy.
Later, Elisha would mentor a servant named Gehazi (2 Kings 4:12). Gehazi had the opportunity to witness God’s power through Elisha, but unlike his mentor, Gehazi failed at his crossroads moment. Instead of choosing faithfulness and obedience, Gehazi pursued selfish gain. This decision not only cost him his calling but also brought lasting consequences to his family line (2 Kings 5:15-27).
Like Elisha and Gehazi, we will face our own crossroads moments. Jesus is asking us today: Are we willing to be faithful, obedient, and present to the end? Not only for our sake, but so we can pass on what God has given us to those who come after us.
What do you have to pass down? And who are you passing it down to? If you don’t have a plan yet, maybe now is the time to prayerfully consider how to leave a legacy that honors God.
Prayer:
Jesus, I pray for my friends today. Help them recognize what You’ve given them and how You’re calling them to pass it down. Open our eyes to see what You see and to love whom You love. Help us to be faithful to the end, like Elisha, and faithful in passing down what You’ve generously given us, like Elijah. Amen.
