Elijah: The Mentoring Prophet

We stand upon the shoulders of those who have come before us. While it ought to be true that the faith that abides in us is our own, it is also true that we would not be who we are if it were not for the ones who came before. God designed it that way. He charged faithful followers to go and make more faithful followers (Matt 28:19-20). That is how the church was able to gain wind beneath her wings; faithful Christians were educated and trained by their predecessors. Even those faithful Christians had examples to learn from (Heb 11). God designed it that way.

Elisha was a prophet. He received a double portion of Elijah's spirit (2 Kings 2:9). As Elijah's successor, this inheritance was passed down through mentorship. Elisha would begin to follow Elijah after an interaction involving cattle and a cloak. Elisha was working with the cattle, plowing a field, when Elijah threw his cloak on him (1 Kings 19:19). Elisha would immediately respond, "Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you" (1 Kings 19:20). Soon after, Elisha would sacrifice all his cattle and follow Elijah, assisting him (1 Kings 19:21).

Elisha would go on to perform, as recorded, twice as many miracles as Elijah. A fervent servant of the Lord, he would perform miracles of healing, restoring life, multiplying oil, parting the Jordan River, and others. To summarize, Elisha did marvelous things in the service of the Lord. Elisha did not stumble into service but was trained. He followed Elijah closely, learning from him. The service that Elijah supplied him, an example, was invaluable.

Now, consider yourselves. Today, you stand, figuratively, unless you are Justice, 7-foot tall! You stand as spiritual giants. But what provided such tremendous growth? Undoubtedly, God, through His Word, helped to render growth, but I am sure you would admit that He also used other noble Christians. Can you honestly say that the Christian you are today was not influenced by the faithful who came before you, loved you, taught you, and served you?

Now, consider yourselves again. This time, however, ask this question: Who are you influencing, teaching, loving, and serving? We grow great and mighty by God's plan. Yes, it involves His Word. However, it also involves His people doing what they were designed to do: influence.