Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit to the earth: our Comforter, the one who sticks closer than a brother, revealing to us the kingdom of God. The first Pentecost was a day of fire and miraculous visitation. But a second celebration occurs on this auspicious day, that of Shavuot. Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Two incredible gifts, on one appointed day. A double portion. Pentecost is not just about the Holy Spirit. It is an appointed time of double.
Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours (Isaiah 61:7).
Double Portion
And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor” (2 Kings 2:9b).
The most well known Scripture relating to receiving a double portion blessing is in the story of Elijah's ascension. His protege, Elisha, was intent on receiving blessing, enabling him to walk in the office of Prophet to Israel. Elisha received a double portion because nothing could distract or waylay his purpose. He was tenacious, and demanding of the double portion blessing.
Pentecost is a time of double portion, but in order to receive, you must ask. Be steadfast and resolute. Press in for more. Double portion blessing comes to those who are desperate and determined. Let it be you.
Double Blessing
Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’” (Zechariah 4:6-7).
What are you building? Perhaps God has placed dreams in your heart that are now on pause. They started, but you can't seem to see them completed. In Zechariah, rebuilding of the Temple had stalled. The word of the Lord declared that restoration of the Temple would be completed. And at that time, the people would proclaim a double blessing. Receive the Lord's double blessing into your life. See double blessing upon the dreams in your heart. They will manifest. God has not finished. Bless it! Bless it!
Double Blessing for Curses
Perhaps things have been quite the opposite for you of late. It may seem as though instead of a double portion blessing, you have experienced a double portion curse. One thing after another. The battle not over before another has begun. What is going on?
Exodus 14 details the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt, and their journey towards the Red Sea. They had left the limits and boundaries (which is the Hebrew meaning of the word 'Egypt') behind, and were at last walking in freedom. However, the Egyptians changed their minds, committed to enslave the Israelites once more. Hunting them down like a pack of wolves they came, six hundred chariots and charioteers of Egypt set to bind the Hebrews.
But God did not call Israel out of bondage only to die in the desert. He drew the Egyptians out so they would. You see, what the Israelites thought to be a mass attack, was in fact God's preparation for mass burial.
But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again" (Exodus 14:13).
If there is a problem you just can't seem to shake, I have good news. If attacks have come with double intensity, get ready to rejoice. The double portion anointing of Pentecost will defeat your enemy once and for all. The bondage of the past will never be seen again. God has set up a mass burial for you. Cross over. Enter the Promised Land. It is yours for the taking in the double portion blessing.
This Pentecost, be determined to receive a double blessing from the Lord. Seek it. Declare it. See dreams resurrected, and evil foes defeated. Not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit. Praise God for Pentecost.
Sarah Coleman is an Australian author and communicator. Her books include Single Christian Female and Make Yourself Amazing. She is passionate about the Kingdom of God. She also loves being a wife and mother to two boys. To read more of Sarah's thoughts go to sarahcoleman.com.au.
Publication date: June 2, 2014