We may wonder why Elijah wanted Elisha to accompany him to Bethel (see 2 Kings 2:1–4). Surely it wasn’t just a sentimental journey for Elijah; one last trip down memory lane. No, this wise, old man wanted to teach Elisha (and us today) of our need for more of God’s power and anointing.
Now, as they walked through the streets, Elijah probably noticed his servant’s horror and indignation at the totally backslidden society. Elijah himself had faced mockers and scoffers in his own day, on Mount Carmel. But he knew it would take even greater supernatural strength to face this new generation. These young people were far more hardened and godless than the idolatrous priests he had battled.
I believe it was at this point that Elijah decided to test his servant. He most likely suggested, “Elisha, why don’t you settle here and pastor these people? You have a sure calling, and you’ve been well trained. You could help restore Bethel’s great heritage.”
As Elisha surveyed the situation in Bethel, he knew he was not ready to stand up against the wicked spirits there. He realized what Elijah had known all along: he needed the Holy Spirit to do a greater, more powerful work in him before he could face down the evil in such a wicked city. So he told his master, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” (2 Kings 2:4, NKJV).
Bethel is representative of the kind of evil society our own nation has become in a relatively short time. We too live among scoffers and mockers—sensual people given over to lust, idolatry, and broken sexuality. And this present generation is worse than any Elijah or Elisha ever faced. Those holy prophets saw children mocking, scoffing, and blaspheming, but many of America’s children are now facing darkness we could not have imagined even a decade ago.
To be sure, many godly teenagers in this society are on fire for Jesus. Praise God for every young person who takes a stand for Christ in these wicked times. Yet, this evil day demands that God’s people obtain a double portion of his power and authority in order to be able to reach a lost generation. It is going to require a measure of anointing such as we have never seen in all of history. It demands that a holy remnant rise up and cry with Elisha, “Oh, Lord, give us more.”