Elisha and His First Few Acts
Bible Passage: 2 Kings 2:14; 19-24; 3:6-27
Lessons on Leadership from Elisha
Striving courageously for God
Elijah had once laid his mantle on Elisha (1 Kings 19:19). Now it was time Elisha took up this prophetic ministry as successor. As youths in church, we must explore and discover our talents and calling. When it is time we are needed to take on leadership roles or heavier and bigger tasks, let us neither hesitate nor decline these responsibilities entrusted us. As we strive for good grades in school or labour hard in office, we also remember to contribute and realise our potential in our service to Him.
Serving with humility; it was never about ourselves
Elisha first served Elijah as his servant (1 Kings 19:21) before he became a powerful prophet himself. Starting small, being faithful in the small tasks entrusted us, causes us to learn and grow. An earlier blog describes the devotion of Elisha to his master Elijah. For us, simple acts in respecting our elders – helping them scoop their food during meals, making sure they have a seat in the church hall, a kneeling pad during prayer – allow us to grow in maturity and devotion to the cause of our elders, as we open our eyes to their needs, other than our own needs. And when we become leaders ourselves, we do not forget that we are there to tend to the needs of the flock and lead God’s people to Him, not to ourselves.
Being receptive to learning and listening to sound advice
Elisha remembered what Elijah had taught and showed him (2 Kings 2:8). It takes a magnanimous heart as an elder to convey past experiences and dispense sound advice to the younger generations, in hope that the work improves with each new generation. It takes humility and courage for youths to listen carefully and emulate good examples set by the elders in church, and progress. When everyone in church works together, we progress much faster in our respective divine work, for God’s glory.
Being God’s advocate and doing every task in God’s name
As Elisha performed the miracle of cleansing the water of the city with salt from a new bowl, he made clear that it was God who healed the water and not himself (2 Kings 2:21). The miracle was done in the name of God; Elisha was only His instrument. Later, as Elisha was on the road to Bethel, he cursed the forty-two youths who mocked him (2 Kings 2:24). Two bears subsequently appeared and mauled the youths. Some may question the severity of the punishment on these youths, and if Elisha had gone too far with his powers, but by saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” the youths indicated their disbelief in Elijah’s ‘going up’ to heaven (2 Kings 2:11) and their disrespect for God’s prophet. And God through Elisha, made clear to these disbelieving and rebellious youths that He did not tolerate blasphemy against Himself and against His prophets. Therefore, whether he was performing miracles for the benefit of others, or pronouncing a curse on people, Elisha remained a strong advocate for God’s causes and was careful to make sure he did these in the name of God.
Pointing others to the Lord, even as we stand before Him ourselves
Elisha made no attempt to hide his displeasure and rebuked the then King of Israel Jehoram, son of Ahab, worshipper of Baal. He made it known to Jehoram that he was only dispensing his advice on account of Jehoshaphat, good king of Judah. In all these, Elisha made clear that his actions stood to be judged before the living Lord of hosts (2 Kings 3:14). Today we are disciples of God. We must not be afraid to speak up for Him and lead others to Him.
May God teach us to handle our divine work well and allow us to continue to serve Him wisely.