Who Was Elisha?

Few "replacements" in scripture were as effective as Elisha, who was Elijah's replacement as God's prophet to Israel. But Elisha had a great example to follow in the footsteps of Elijah. He remained with Elijah until the last moments of his teacher's life on earth. Elisha was willing to follow and learn in order to gain power to do the work which God had called him to do.

But Elijah and Elisha concentrated their efforts on the particular needs of the people around them. The fiery Elijah confronted and exposed idolatry which helped create an atmosphere where people could freely and publicly worship God. Elisha then moved in to demonstrate God's powerful, yet caring, nature to all who came to him for help. Elisha spent more time in compassionate care for people, than in conflict with evil. The Bible records 18 encounters between Elisha and needy people.

Elisha saw more in life than most people since he recognized that with God there was more to life. He knew that all we are and have comes from God. The miracles that happened during Elisha ministry put people in touch with the personal All-Powerful-God. Elijah would have been very proud of his replacement's work.

We too have great examples to follow, not only in scripture, but in the people who have influenced our lives. We have to resist the tendency to think that our family background or environment place limitations on us. Instead we should ask God to use us for His purposes and perhaps, like Elijah, to take stand against great wrongs or, like Elisha, to show compassion for the daily need of those around us.

Have you asked God to help guide you towards His purpose for your life? Do you know God? Do you know Jesus?

Elisha's story is told in 1 Kings 16:16 - 2 Kings 13:20. He is also mentioned in Luke 4:27.

Content provided in whole or part by IBS-STL Global Life Application Study Bible, NIV.