Elisha the Prophet

Elisha answered the call to serve God, obediently followed Elijah and was determined to receive double portion of God's power that worked with him. 2 Timothy 1:9 - (God has) called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace. The followings are discussed: Elisha's Call and Anointing; Miracles with Water and Food, and Final Prophecy; Final Miracle.

Elisha's Call and anointing: Elisha's response to God's calling and anointing showed strong enthusiasm for following God. He bid his parents farewell and organised a feast to celebrate God's calling and express willingness to embark in His service (1 Kings 19:19-21). Elisha was willing to put aside pleasure of the world and do the sacrifice required for the ministry. Answering God's call to take up full ministry or take part in certain services of the Church demands a change of priorities and surrendering personal goals. Elisha's response shows that he valued eternal priorities and found the need to pursue it, (unlike his servant, Gehazi who pursued earthly things and fell for them).

While Elisha was serving Elijah he was persistent in his quest for spiritual anointing for the service. Elijah tried on two occasions to leave Elisha behind when it was getting to the time he would be carried into heavens, but Elisha was still persistent following him. The reason why Elijah was trying to leave Elisha behind and wouldn't want him to witness his transition was not known. Elijah might have struggled with the reality of surrendering his position to a successor. But Elisha's loyalty to Elijah and devotion to God's  calling earned him the anointing for service (2 King 2:1-15). It is very important for Christians to practice loyalty in the ministry as it is one of the basic requirements to receive the inspiration and spiritual enablement for God's service.

Elisha had joined Elijah to cross Jordan river in a miraculous way. Elijah struck and parted the river with his cloak, allowing the two men to walk through the river on dry ground. Elisha thus asked for double portion of Elijah's spirit. He did not ask for material thing, but rather a spiritual thing. Elijah's response shows that it is only God that can grant such request - a gift that only God can give. He let Elisha understand that if he was prepared and available for the gift God would grant it. At the moment Elijah was being carried into heaven by a chariot of fire and whirlwind, Elisha held unto his cloak, got a torn piece and in the process Elijah's mantle fell upon him. By doing that Elisha received the power and anointing for God's service. God equips devout leaders with qualities needed for vision and confidence

Miracles with Water and Food: Elisha had started to perform miracles with evidence of the spirit that worked with Elijah when he crossed Jordan river back with similar process he and Elijah crossed the river. He performed another miracle when he intervened for the cursed land of Jordan (Joshua 6:26), healing and restoring the land (2 King 2:19-22). Elisha had compassion for the needs of people by healing their land and source of water. Christians are required to show compassion for others by meeting both spiritual and physical needs.

Elijah performed yet another miracle when he neutralised poison in the food. A kind of poisonous plant had been mixed with other ingredients used to prepare the food. They perceived the harm that could result in death if the food was eaten (2 King 4:38-41). Elisha requested for flour which he added to make the stew fit to eat. The power of God had rested upon Elijah and he was enabled to perform miracles. He used different mediums to do different miracles. The spirit of God changed different mediums Elijah used to agents of healing. God can change ordinary thing to instrument of power and authority in the hands of those serving him in obedience.

Final Prophecy; Final Miracle: The wicked and ungodly king Jehoash of Israel turned to Elijah for divine direction over the battle of Arameans. Elijah responded by a prophecy of victory. He instructed the king about what to do and achieve victory. Though the king obeyed, his response didn't show total commitment. His victory over the enemies was not as much as expected (2 kings: 13:14-19; 22-25). We should respond to God's prophecy with zeal and commitment.

Even after Elijah had died his bones did the last miracle. The dead body of a man thrown into Elisha's tomb came to life and stood up when it touched Elisha's bones (2 King 13:20-21). Elisha prophesied the importance of turning to God. Restoration of life through dead bones indicates that the Spirit of God works on to give and restore lives. Lesson texts: