The Bible Story of Elijah and Elisha

Introduction

• Elijah and Elisha are notable prophets in the Old Testament, found in the books of Kings.
• They played key roles in restoring Israel during a time of wicked rulers.

Elijah's Story

1 Kings Chapter 17

• Introduction of Elijah: A seer predicting a three-year drought due to Israel's corrupted rulers.
• Divine Providence: Elijah is fed by ravens in the desert.
• Miracle of Provision: God provides food for him, a widow, and her son.

Confrontation with Ahab

• Challenge at Mount Carmel: Elijah challenges King Ahab's prophets of Baal to demonstrate Baal's power vs. God's power.
• Elijah's Victory: Fire from heaven ignites Elijah's sacrifice soaked in water. Results in the end of the drought.
• Escape from Jezebel: Elijah flees from Queen Jezebel's wrath.

Anointing Elisha

• God's Command: At Mount Horeb, Elijah is instructed by God to anoint Elisha as a prophet.
• Elisha's Call: Elijah finds Elisha plowing with oxen and calls him to follow.

Elisha's Story

2 Kings Chapter 1

• Fire from Heaven: Elijah calls down fire on groups of soldiers; a third group is spared after pleading for mercy.
• Prediction of the King's Death: Elijah predicts the king's death from illness.

Elisha's Miracles

• Crossing the Jordan: Elisha follows Elijah across the Jordan River.
• Elisha's Request: Asks for a double portion of Elijah's spirit.
• Elijah's Ascension: Taken to heaven in a fiery chariot.

Miracles by Elisha

• Purifying Water: Turns bad water into clean water (2 Kings 2:19-22).
• Multiplying Oil: Multiplies a widow's oil to pay debts (2 Kings 4:1-7).
• Raising the Dead: Revives a dead boy (2 Kings 4:32-37).

Mentor-Protege Relationship

• Elijah and Elisha: An example of mentorship in the Bible.
• Elisha's Dedication: Leaves everything to follow Elijah; learns through service.
• Testing and Reward: Elisha remains faithful, seeking a closer relationship with God.

Lessons in Mentorship

• Qualifying for Leadership: Requires serving a mentor and learning through observation.
• Patience in Timing: Waiting for the right time to take up leadership roles.
• Elisha's Preparation: Ten years of preparation despite a lack of immediate significance.

Conclusion

• Elisha's Leadership: Transition from wealthy farmer's son to committed protege and leader.

• Guidance for Aspiring Leaders:

  • Serve faithfully where placed by God.
  • Prioritize God's vision over personal ambition.
  • Support other leaders while awaiting personal calling.

• Elisha's Legacy: Demonstrates perseverance, learning from a mentor, and readiness to take up God's call when the time is right.