"Double Portion"

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." Philippians 3:10

Over the last several years there has been much teaching about a "double portion" anointing. Every Christian wants it. Sermons revolve around it. Prayer lines are formed and hands are being laid on believers so that they can "receive it". Prophecies are made concerning it. Certain conditions, including making a donation to the ministry, are placed on it as the "sure way" to receive it. Whole ministries are founded upon the "double portion" theme. Special services are called in order to "impart" it to you.

My message this morning is not going to be about why many Christians are desiring the "double portion" and running to where the promise to receive it is located when they already have something greater than the "double portion". My message is not going to be about correcting this "misguided" desire. Why do I call it "misguided"? While the double portion of the Spirit to do greater miracles and works that was given to Elisha was a wonderful thing, for us to desire a "double portion" is to settle for less than what we have already been given. When Jesus left the earth, He promised to send the Holy Spirit. When we were baptized in the Holy Spirit, we received the same Spirit that raised up Jesus Christ from the dead. The Spirit came upon Elisha and anointed him with "double" what Elijah had. But now the Holy Spirit dwells within us to do even greater works than Jesus did, and certainly much greater than Elisha did even though he had a double portion. The Bible talks, concerning Christians, about being filled with all the fullness of God. To me "fullness" is much greater than "double". But I said that this was not going to be my message so I need to get to it.

My message is actually a question. Why is it that we seek a double portion of the anointing, a double portion to do miracles, a double portion of power, but yet I don't hear anyone praying or forming a prayer line for a "double portion" of desire for Jesus Himself-- just for His gifts and blessings? Why isn't it our desire to have a "double portion" of His love and love for Him? Why don't we want a "double portion" of the grace that we need to be fully surrendered to Him? Why aren't we praying that He will "double" our desire to yearn for Him; "double" our desire to know Him; "double" our desire to communion with Him; "double" our desire for His presence?

We already have more than a "double portion" anointing- we just have to yield to the operation of the Holy Spirit through us so that He can release it. But what we really need is a "double portion" of desire for Jesus.

Have a great day. What are you desiring a greater portion of?

For further reading:
Ephesians 3:17-20
Colossians 2:8-10
John 14:12; 16:7
Romans 8:11