2 Kings 3:11 "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may enquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah"

Elijah and Elisha are two of the most recognized and powerful prophets of the Old Testament. When it came time for Elijah to leave earth, he was taken to heaven in a whirlwind. He was instructed by God to anoint the man that would be his successor. His name was Elisha.

Just before Elijah went to heaven, Elisha requested that he might have a double portion of the spirit of Elijah. In the new covenant, in John 3:34, it says, "For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him." Therefore, there is no such thing as a "double portion" in the new covenant. We have no measure of the Holy Spirit in us on this side of the cross. If you're saved and filled with the Holy Spirit you are "wall to wall Holy Spirit".

Nevertheless, there is a powerful principle here. King Jehoshaphat was looking for a man of God to advise him about a certain military campaign. When Jehoshaphat inquired about a prophet of the Lord, Elisha was recommended. Elisha was referred to as being the one "which poured water on the hands of Elisha". These were his credentials. He had been a faithful servant to Elijah.

Imagine that. Before Elisha was promoted, he was a servant, he helped in menial tasks, including washing the hands of his mentor. Elisha became a mighty man of God, but he received his training as a servant! This is the way spiritual leaders are formed. It involves serving others and learning from those we serve. Servants learn by serving. We prepare to lead by following. It is next to impossible to be a great leader if you haven't been a servant. Would you like to be promoted? Then get you water pitcher ready and get in line, you could be next!