Elisha

ELISHA

Scripture references:
1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 2–13;
Luke 4:27

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ELISHA’S ROLE IN SCRIPTURE

Elisha had a very different ministry from that of Elijah. Elijah’s role as a prophet of judgment was to display God’s power in a time of apostasy. Elisha, his successor, seems to have focused his ministry on a display of God’s grace toward those who would trust Him.

The Old Testament records fourteen miracles of Elisha compared with seven miracles performed by Elijah. These miracles help us sense the healing nature of Elisha’s ministry and their promise of overflowing grace should the Israelites simply turn to Him completely. Here is a list of Elisha’s miracles as reported in 2 Kings:

1.     Elisha separated the waters of the Jordan (2:14)

2.     Elisha healed bitter spring waters (2:21)

3.     Elisha cursed young men who ridiculed God (2:24)

4.     Elisha won a battle for Israel (3:15–26)

5.     Elisha multiplied a poor widow’s oil (4:1–7)

6.     Elisha promised a good woman a child (4:14–17)

7.     Elisha raised the good woman’s child from the dead (4:32–37)

8.     Elisha made poison stew edible (4:38–41)

9.     Elisha multiplied loaves to feed many (4:42–44)

10.     Elisha healed a Syrian general’s leprosy (5:1–19)

11.     Elisha made a borrowed ax head float (6:1–6)

12.     Elisha trapped an Aramean army (6:8–23)

13.     Elisha showed his servant an angel army (6:15–17)

14.     Elisha predicted an excess of food for starving Samaria (6:24–7:20)

These miracles were certainly less spectacular than those performed by Elijah; they were also different in nature. Yet, each prophet’s miracles displayed different aspects of God’s character. God reveals himself in judgment; He also reveals Himself in gracious acts to nations, individuals, and even to enemy generals.

ELISHA: AN EXAMPLE FOR TODAY

Elisha replaced Elijah as God’s premier prophet in Israel. When we compare Elisha with his mentor, we come to appreciate the lessons he has to teach us.

•     Elisha had a less spectacular ministry than that of Elijah, but one that was as significant in its revelation of God’s character to His people. He reminds us that we each have our calling and are not to measure ourselves or our mission against that of the great people of our time. The role we play in God’s plan is the role He has designed for us, and this makes us significant indeed.

•     Elisha had a ministry to common people as well as to kings. In every context, Elisha displayed God’s grace and showed that the Lord cares about every detail of our lives. This is important to remember as we serve others. We should bring our ordinary needs to the Lord as well as the big things.

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