2 Kings 2:15-25 – THE STEADY MODEL
Life of Elisha #2 of 9
Elisha, “The Steady Prophet” was a steady model to those around Him. There is no substitute for a good example
HE MODELED WISDOM – Vss. 15-18
Elisha was accepted as the new leader of the prophets. Vss. 13-15 Some wanted to send a search party. He did not think it wise. His wisdom was proved out when a search was made and nothing was found. Notice how mild a rebuke he gave. These men were grieving the loss of their leader, Elijah. He widely went easy on them. Proverbs 19:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Elisha modeled this. 1 Timothy 4:12 shows the wise behavior of a Godly pastor.
HE MODELED CREATIVITY – Vss. 19-22 I think it is say to say that Elijah had spent some time Jericho and was familiar with the water difficulty. It was Elisha however who solved the problem. Elisha performed few miracles exactly like Elijah. He was original. He was creative. There is nothing wrong with being like someone or doing things the way someone else did. However, God has given us all unique abilities and ways of doing things. We should not be afraid of being creative as we strive to serve God.
HE MODELED AUTHORITY – Vss. 23-25 People have wondered how Elisha could be so mean to small children. These were not small children but youths, teens, and/or young adults. They made fun of God’s servant, Elisha, and the home going of Elijah. (“Get up thou bald head.”) They were being disrespectful and rebellious. Elisha had every right to rebuke them. He used his authority as a man of God. See 1 Corinthians 5, Galatians 6:1, Ezekiel 3:16-21