39.
The combined rains of the first month represent the double portion or the full amount. The double portion was that which was to be given to the first born son. Deut. 21:17 In the case of Jesus, He was given the Spirit without measure. John 3:34 The anointing of the Spirit which He received was in it‚fullness. Far beyond that of any others who had been anointed by the Lord. Heb. 1:9 The church, which is the work of His hands, has been privileged to become an heir of God. Not for just a portion of His riches, we are joint-heirs with Christ. Rom. 8:17 Therefore, we share and share alike. The church has yet to receive the full inheritance left to her. The combined rain, the complete sharing of His inheritance is yet to come. We have not by any means exhausted the power and the glory of the Spirit. The manifestation of the Spirit will reach a crescendo and come to a absolute fullness of power and glory in the end of the age.Acts 2:17-18.
We have an Old Testament type in the relationship of Elijah (Christ) and Elisha (the church). They started out at Gilgal (rolling). 2 Kings 2:1 It was here that the reproach of Egypt was removed from them. It was a time of circumcise. Josh. 5:9 For the people of the double portion, it is a complete separation from the flesh. Col. 2:11 Elisha was then further tested as to his resolve to continue to follow Elijah. Stay here in Bethel, (house of God), tarry within your comfort zone. The moving of the Spirit will not be accepted by all. We may find ourselves alienated from former associations. It has been done in the past and will definitely happen again. The life of the Apostle Paul is a great example. It was here that Elisha‚contemporaries, the sons of the prophets added to his testing. 2 Kings 2:3.
Jericho (fragrance) was next to be visited and as in each instance, Elisha was again urged to remain in this city. 2 Kings 2:4-5 Its name is translated by some to be, moon city, in other words they worshiped false gods. To most people sweet fragrances are pleasant. Elisha was about to lose the leadership of Elijah and be come the one who would bear the responsibility of a prophet. Not an easy task. Here again he faced more sons of the prophets. They added to the complexity of his decision to follow Elijah, regardless of circumstances and the goading of others.
Jordan, (the descent, flowing downward), generally considered to represent death. The Bride of Christ must die to all that is worldly and be totally the Lord’s. Life beyond Jordan, is real and eternal. Gal. 2:20 There is a place, in Christ, where we die to self and the world. Elijah smote the river with his mantel and it dried up for them. So much so that they went over dry shod. No mud on their feet. 2 Kings 2:8 They were observed by fifty, (the number of Pentecost), sons of the prophets. They looked on, but did not participate. Hmmm. 2 Kings 2:7.