Since the time of the King James Bible, the book that Christians believe is God’s word has shaped our laws and politics, our music and art. It has impacted the lives of millions worldwide.
The story of Elisha is one such Bible story. He was a prophet and miracle worker who built upon the ministry of his mentor, Elijah.
The title
In a time when the king of Israel was desperate for military assistance, he sought out Elisha. The prophet didn’t offer him the help he wanted but rather he pointed him to the One who could provide. As the Moody Bible Commentary explains, “Elisha knew that real help comes from the Lord.”
After Elijah was taken away, Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit (2 Kings 2:9). He took up the mantle and performed miracles like crossing the Jordan river on dry land, purifying poisoned water, causing two bears to eat each other, healing Naaman of leprosy, and raising a dead boy.
While he wasn’t as brash as Elijah, Elisha was a powerful leader who served God faithfully for almost 3,000 years – counseling four different kings and performing numerous miracles. He was always willing to serve, never discouraged or ran away when the going got tough. Faith played a big role in his ministry too: he purified a pot of stew, fed a hundred men with a small amount of food, healed a blind man, and raised a son from the dead.
The story
Popular traditions portray Elisha as a charismatic, quasi-ecstatic figure. In the beginning he served as Elijah’s student and attendant, carrying out the tasks his master had left behind (1 K 19:16, 2 K 8:7-15). On what we would call a political level, he led a holy war against the house of Omri, which had entered into an alliance with Tyrian pagan gods (2 K 9:1-10).
When he was called to follow Elijah as prophet, he immediately responded. He kissed his parents goodbye and slaughtered his oxen. Then he traveled with Elijah until the latter was taken up into heaven (1 K 19:19). A wealthy woman of Shunem provided him with comfortable quest quarters.
The message
Elisha was a man who acted in faith. He was willing to respond to people’s problems and never gave up on a project. He is famous for his healing of Naaman and his call to him to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Even though Naaman thought this was a strange thing to do, Elisha persuaded him to do it – and Naaman was healed!
In one instance, when the king of Aram attacked Israel, Elisha warned the king and foiled his plans. The king of Aram became angry and wanted to capture the prophet. But Elisha was unafraid and proclaimed, “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Elisha’s miracles and prophecies were powerful. He was an agent of change who brought about God’s power in communities and individuals. Just like Elisha, modern Christian leaders are called to address social problems and help those in need. This is a responsibility that we should not take lightly.
The conclusion
Although he is less well known than Elijah, Elisha had an important ministry that lasted from 800 to 850 B.C. He advised kings and worked miracles.
He began his prophetic career as Elijah’s student and personal attendant. He was a man of humility and faith who was willing to take on difficult tasks – for example, healing Naaman, the Syrian general.
When God called him to become a prophet, Elisha eagerly accepted his responsibility. He did not hesitate to step away from his comfortable family life and his farm.
He even burned his plows and slaughtered his oxen to demonstrate his total dedication to the call of God. How dedicated are you to following the Lord? What might you need to sacrifice in order to walk toward your destiny? Are you ready to leave your comforts behind like Elisha did?
