5 Lessons from the life of Elisha

Elisha, son of Shaphat, successor of Elijah was a great man of God and God's servant. There are many lessons we can learn from this Bible character.

Let's dive in

1. He was humble

In 2nd Kings 19:19-21

  Elisha's father, Shaphat, was a wealthy man and that makes Elisha automatically wealthy. Despite his rich status, he never bragged or boasted about it and never disregarded Elijah and learnt from the prophet. He followed Elijah, to heed God's call.

2. He was Caring

In 2 Kings 2:18-22, Chapter 4

    Elisha was helpful, and caring to the people of Jericho when they sought for his help to pray for their land.

  His prophetic action and words of prophecy broke the bondage of barrenness in Jericho and the waters were healed.

3. He was persistent - 2 Kings 2:1-13

A minister of God without a successor is a failure.

Elisha, being aware of this fact, tapped into this reality by asking for the double portion of Elijah's anointing. 

His request was granted and this anointing stayed with him, even after his death.

"And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet". (2 Kings 13:21)

4. He was truthful - 2 Kings 2:15-18, 3:15-20

 Every word he spoke came from God and came to pass.

 In 2 Kings 2:15-18, Elisha told the sons of prophet not to search for Elijah but they turned deaf ears to this instruction and they realized the truth too late.

 He also spoke the truth also in 2 Kings 3:15-20, he proclaimed victory for Israel over the land of Moab as the Lord ministered to him.

5. Elisha was a man of faith

Elisha believed in the possibility of God's power over the impossible when he commanded the recovery of the ax head in verses 1-7 (2nd Kings 6:1-23)

 He also believed in the presence of God in his life. 

2 Kings 6:15-16 

15. And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

Verse 16: he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

Stay blessed and apply this to your life.