Finding Elisha
Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 19:19-21
Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing …
—1 Kings 19:19
One of the most interesting people in the Bible is the prophet Elisha. He lived during a time of extremes in the history of Israel: extreme wealth for a few, extreme poverty for many, extreme weather, and extreme disloyalty to the true God.
Elisha served for over fifty years as a prophet, during the rule of four kings. By God’s power he was able to do many miracles that pointed to the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ. Elisha’s name also pointed to Jesus. Both the names Elisha and Jesus mean “God saves.” Elisha was a farmer, not a graduate of prophet school. He was an ordinary person called by God. When Elijah threw his cloak over Elisha, Elisha knew the Lord was calling him to speak to the people of Israel.
Prophets aren’t just special people in the Bible; prophets include each and every one of us whom Jesus calls to follow him. Jesus extends to each of us the cloak of the prophet. He asks us to put it on and learn from him how to be a spokesperson for God.
What are we being called to do? We are to tell the good news that God is King, that Jesus the Savior has conquered sin and death, and that the Spirit of God is at work renewing every square inch of the world we live in.
Hallelujah!
We are ordinary people, Lord, but you have called us to extraordinary work. Help us to be the prophetic voices your world needs to hear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Thea Leunk
Thea Nyhoff Leunk has been a high school English teacher, a director of Christian education, a pastor of discipleship, and a regional coach for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. She is currently the senior pastor at Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thea has also written courses for teens and young adults on world religions, Christian faith traditions, and science and the Bible. She and her husband have three adult children.
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