Daily Devotional for Sunday, April 13

The First Days of Elisha’s Ministry

   “When the sons of the prophets … at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him,”   2 Kings 2:15.

Charles was a “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” businessman. As a young man, he was an apprentice and learned all he could until the day when, he started his own business. He worked hard, treated people fairly, put family and kingdom work first, and his business grew. His son, Stephen, showed potential for being a good businessman like his dad. By Charles’ retirement, the business had grown larger than he ever imagined. It was a huge responsibility, but Stephen showed great potential for carrying it on. He loved God, his family, the business, and he was quite tech savvy. Within two years, the business almost doubled, and Charles was very proud. Stephen had what it took to be successful.

On the mountain of God, Elijah was commissioned to anoint Elisha as his successor (1 Kings 19:16). Elisha was eager to take on the calling. He left his family and followed his new master. The day Elijah would leave earth, Elisha stuck to him like glue, not wanting to miss a single moment with Elijah. He saw Elijah taken up into Heaven (2 Kings 2:10-12) and received his requested double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Immediately, that spirit was evident. Within days, three different signs proved there was a new head prophet in Israel.

Elisha took Elijah’s mantle and struck the Jordan just as Elijah had. The waters parted, and Elisha walked across. Reaching Jericho, he learned their water was bad. He poured salt into the spring, and the water was healed. Then, he left for Bethel, and a large group of little boys made fun of his baldness. Elisha cursed them, and two mama bears mauled forty-two of them! 

God’s power was on Elisha, and he was just getting started.

THOUGHT

When God calls, He backs it with His power.

Kelli Reynolds