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PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE

Introduction:

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 prophet Elijah. He remained with Elijah until the last moments of his teacher’s life on earth. He was willing to follow and learn in order to gain power to do the work to which God had called him to do.

He had a ministry that lasted over 50 years. He had an impact on four nations: Israel, Judah, Moab, and Syria although he mainly ministered to the Northern Kingdom and helped point people back to God.

He was a man of integrity who did not try to enrich himself at others’ expense.

I.         THE BACKGROUND OF ELISHA.

            A.        The Name Elisha Means “God Is Savior.”

            B.        He Was Called While Working In The Fields. (1 Kings 19:16-21)

                        He was from the tribe of Issachar and a farmer.

                        1.         God directed Elijah to him.

The mantle, or coat, was the most important article of clothing a person could own. It was used as protection against the weather, as bedding, as a place to sit, and as luggage.

                                    It could be given as a pledge for debt or torn into pieces to show grief.

                                    Elijah put his mantle on Elisha’s shoulders to show that he would become

                                    Elijah’s successor.

Later, when the transfer of authority was complete, Elijah left his mantle for Elijah. (2 Kings 2:11-14)

                        2.         He ministered to Elijah until God took Elijah up in a whirlwind.

By killing his oxen and destroying his farming implements, Elisha made a strong commitment to follow Elijah.

                                    Having done so, he could not return to his life as a wealthy farmer.

            C.        He Sought For And Was Granted A Double Portion Of Elijah’s Spirit.

                        (2 Kings 2:9-14)                                            

                        This was a bold request, but God granted it because Elisha’s motives were pure.

His main goal was not to be better or more powerful than Elijah, but to accomplish more for God.

                        If our motives are pure, we don’t have to be afraid to ask great things from God.

When we ask God for great power or ability, we need to examine our desires and get rid of any selfishness we find.

II.       THE CHARACTER OF ELISHA AS SEEN IN HIS WORK AND MINISTRY.

            A.        He Had A Great Respect For The Gifts Of God That He Saw In Elijah’s Life. (2 Kings 2:9-14)

            B.        He Showed Mercy In Healing The Waters. (2 Kings 2:19-22)

            C.        He Showed Great Courage When Facing The King Of Israel.

                        (2 Kings 3:9-14)

            D.        He Showed Sympathy For Those In Need. (2 Kings 4:1-7)

            E.        He Was Given A Special Trust By God. (2 Kings 6:8-12)

            F.        He Was Capable Of Shedding Tears. (2 Kings 8:7-12)

III.      THE MINISTRY OF ELISHA SUMMARIZED.

            A.        He Had A Ministry Basically That Was Merciful And Beneficial And Is Closely Associated With Grace.

            B.        Though He Was A Country Boy Before Being Called Into The Ministry, He Was Became A City Man And Spoke Of God In The Courts Of Six Kings.

            C.        He Was A Miracle Worker And As Such Did Twice As Many As Elijah.

                        (See page 659 of the Life Application Bible.)

IV.      THE MEN ELIJAH AND ELISHA COMPARED.

Both Elijah and Elisha concentrated their efforts on the particular needs of the people around them.

            A1       Elijah Was A Prophet Of Fire.                    

                        Elijah was the most famous and dramatic of Israel’s prophets.

                        He took a stand against great wrongs of his day.

The fiery Elijah confronted and exposed idolatry, helping create an atmosphere where people could freely and publicly worship God.

                        However, we learn from his life that we are never closer to defeat than in our

moments of greatest victory.

            A2.      Elisha Was More Merciful.

When Elisha moved on the scene, he demonstrated God’s powerful, yet caring nature to all who came to him for help.

                        He showed compassion for the needs of those around him.

            B1.      Elijah Spent Much Time In The Wilderness.

                        The Lord hid him by the brook Cherith after confronting Ahab.

He fled to Beersheba, then into the wilderness (a days journey), and finally to Mount Horeb (a/k/a Sinai, a 40 day journey) .

            B2.      Elisha Spent Much Time In The Courts Of Kings.

                        He was a people person.

            C1.      Elijah Was Hairy. (2 Kings 1:8)

            C2.      Elisha Was Bald. (2 Kings 2:23-24)

            D1.      Elijah's Ministry Was Mainly Prophetic.

            D2.      Elisha’s Ministry Was Mainly Miracles.

Elisha saw more in life than most people because he recognized that with God there was more to life.

                        He knew that all we are and all that we have comes to us from God.

More of Elisha’s miracles are recorded than those of anyone else in the Old Testament.

The miracles that occurred during Elisha’s ministry put people in touch with the personal and all powerful God.

            E1.      Elijah Rebuked Kings.

Elijah was sent to confront, not comfort, and he spoke God’s words to a king who often rejected his message just because he brought it.

            E2.      Elisha Was Their Friend For The Most Part.

            F1.      Elijah Brought Vengeance.  

                        By the Word of the Lord he both brought on and ended a three-year drought.

He represented God in a showdown with the prophets and priests of Baal on Mt. Carmel.

            F2.      Elisha Brought Mercy.

Elisha spent less time in conflict with evil and more in compassionate care of people.

                        The Bible records 18 encounters between Elisha and needy people.

            G1.     Elijah Was A Solitary Man.

Elijah carried out his ministry for God alone and experienced isolation from others who were faithful to God.

However, we learn from his life that we are never as alone as we may feel; God is always there speaking to us in a still small voice.

            G2.     Elisha Was A Social Man.

We learn from Elisha that in God’s eyes, one measure of greatness is the willingness to serve the poor as well as the powerful.

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NOTICE:   THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD!