by Mark Batterson on Youversion
Holy Anticipation
There are half a dozen “double promises” in Scripture. The prophet Isaiah promised a double portion of joy or prosperity, depending on your translation of choice (Isaiah 61:7). The apostle Paul conferred double honor on those who lead well (1 Timothy 5:17). And a double portion of Elijah’s spirit netted twice as many miracles in the ministry of Elisha (2 Kings 2:9). But perhaps the most unique binary blessing in the Bible is declared by the prophet Zechariah: “Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double” (Zechariah 9:12, ESV).
Zechariah declared this double blessing to Jewish prisoners of war, but he called them prisoners of hope. So which is it—prisoners of war or prisoners of hope? That depends on your perspective, doesn’t it? If you let your circumstances define the way you see God, you are a prisoner of perspective. Or worse, a prisoner of your past mistakes! But if you let God define the way you see your circumstances, you are a prisoner of hope.
Israel had experienced a bitter defeat at the hands of Babylonians. They were at the mercy of their captors, who had defiled their temple and mocked their God. But God reminded them of who would have the last laugh. For their pain, He prescribed the promise of double blessing.
You cannot claim the promises of God like a game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, but every promise has your name on it. Every blessing in the Bible is part and parcel of our spiritual birthright by virtue of what Christ accomplished on the cross. Positioning ourselves for those blessings begins by kneeling at the foot of the cross and ends with us casting our crowns before the throne of God. In between, we flip every blessing we receive. Flipping the blessing enables you to live with holy anticipation, waiting to see what God does next.
Of course, if you cultivate a double-blessing mindset that is focused on flipping every blessing, you better buckle your seat belt. Why? Because God is going to open the windows of heaven and pour out more blessing than you can contain. I’m not talking about material blessings. Giving produces joy, and more joy is just what the world needs!
What is a blessing in your life you could “flip” today to give to someone else?
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.
Zechariah 9:12
Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.
Isaiah 61:7
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
1 Timothy 5:17
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.”
2 Kings 2:9
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