II Kings 2:1-10

What is a hero? Some may think of a hero as a fictional character with superhuman abilities. Some people will make a certain individual with exceptional natural abilities their hero. Yet, a person can be a hero apart from mere physical ability. After all, there are plenty heros of the Christian faith. But what is the purpose of a hero? Most people hold the view that a hero is someone from whom they can get something. They may depend on their hero for bragging rights, or protection; for fame, or wealth, et cetera. Yet, God has given us spiritual heros for our learning. That is, we should learn from spiritual people – not use them! The prophet Elisha became a Bible hero himself by the way he learned from and interacted with his mentor – his hero – Elijah!

When the LORD made known that He would be taking Elijah from the earth, Elisha was with Elijah. As a matter of fact, Elijah had enjoyed the company of his bald young protégé ever since he had cast his mantle on him in the plowed field. At the moment of his calling, Elisha had Ignored Common Culture by quitting his job – his livelihood – to serve Elijah. What would your response be if God were to call you into full-time ministry? I Kings 19:21 tells us that Elisha “ministered unto” Elijah. II Kings 3:11 helps us understand just how menial some of Elijah’s tasks were! He “poured water on the hands of Elijah.” Yet, Elisha understood that faithfulness in something as simple as helping someone wash their hands was the only way he would realize his long-term goal – receiving a double portion of his master’s spirit!

Another principle Elisha followed was to Ignore Common Courtesies. Three times (II Kings 2:2,4,6) Elijah asked Elisha to tarry in a certain location while he pressed on. Truly spiritual leaders are gracious individuals, and they make efforts to accommodate the people they love. Elisha wisely refused his mentor’s kind offer. We should force our spiritual leaders to give us opportunities to be with them and serve them!

Also, in verses 3 and 5, Elisha had to Ignore Common Criticisms. The preacher boys at Bethel and Jericho both tried to convince Elisha of the stupidity of his decision to press on with his master! Yet, sometimes what makes logical sense doesn’t make spiritual sense. Most criticisms come disguised as “mature spiritual opinions”. Stick to the ministry to which you have been called, and give it everything you've got – even if others are telling you it’s a lost cause. God clearly will let you know when you need to make a switch. It has been said, “Most people achieved their greatest success one step beyond what looked like their greatest failure.” Elisha is a perfect example of this!

Elisha also Ignored Common Comforts. Verse 7 mentions fifty preacher boys (“sons of the prophets”) that “stood to view afar off”. Like Peter at the judgment hall, these 50 took in the view from a comfortable distance. They were not willing to pay the price of closeness! For this, they missed seeing first-hand the miracle of the parting of Jordan. They missed seeing Elisha being taken up by the chariot and horses of fire, and they wasted three days of their lives (verses 16-17) seeking for Elijah after he was gone!

Finally, Elisha Ignored Common Cravings. He asked Elijah for a double portion (verse 9). Where are the preachers and church members that dare to ask God for double? Who will refuse to settle for spiritual commonality? Say what you will, but Elisha received that for which he asked! I want double – do you?

- Mike Hanke (Assistant Pastor)