Elisha: God's Prophet "Introduction" and "The Ministry Begins" Lesson 1

Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. He challenged the prophets of Baal and he called down fire from heaven. He raised a child from the dead. He prayed and it did not rain for 3 and a half years. He parted the river Jordan.  He spoke with God directly at Mt. Sinai. He challenged King Ahab, and brought him words that God wanted him to hear. He walked with God, and ministered at the schools of the prophets. He was a type of John the Baptist. 

His successor, Elisha, dared to ask for more. If Elijah was called to prepare the way of the Lord, then Elisha must be a type of Christ!  God wants us to PURSUE him earnestly!  Elisha wanted, not just to be LIKE Elijah, but to have a double portion of his anointing and spirit. He wanted to prophesy. He wanted to represent Yahweh well. He wanted to do miracles. But mostly, he wanted an even deeper  intimacy with God. He wanted to hear his voice, and do his will. He wanted to bless others, and, well, ….. Let’s hear it  from Elisha. 

In this study  my husband,  John Shader,  will be reading from the “ Journal of Elisha.”  The journal text  is based on the scriptures recorded in 2 Kings, although some of the missing details are my own interpretation. Hopefully,  personalizing the scriptures through the eyes of Elisha will help us all identify with the Bible characters in a new way. For lesson plans for The Introduction and Lesson 1, CLICK HERE!

Since we will be studying an Old Testament prophet who is respected and loved, let’s take some time to really analyze both  the office of the prophet and  the gift of prophecy in this study. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 14:5 , “ I desire that  all would prophesy!” This does not necessarily mean all would be prophets, but all could hear the voice of God accurately enough to deliver a word of wisdom or a word of knowledge. The gift of prophecy, in a biblical context, refers to “ The ability to receive and communicate messages from God”. It's a spiritual gift, bestowed by the Holy Spirit, that enables individuals to speak God's truth to others. While often associated with foretelling the future, prophecy also involves forth-telling – speaking God's word in the present for the purpose of edification, encouragement, and comfort.

Rarely do we hear of any man calling himself a “official” prophet today, but the scriptures do not rule it out.   Jesus is the spirit of prophecy! (Rev 19:10) However, both Joel 2:29 and Acts 2:17 declare that in the last days, God will pour out his spirit on all men! Our sons and daughters will prophesy. Young men will dream dreams. Old men will see visions.

This first lesson has two videos, the Introduction, and the Lesson itself. Enjoy!!! (7:27)

(10:56)

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14, 2 Kings 2

Discussion questions:

1. What was the most interesting part of this lesson to you?

2. Do you think there are modern day prophets? Why or why not?

3. What does it mean to prophesy?

4. What is a word of knowledge? A word of wisdom?  Have you ever delivered one of these to someone else? Has anyone given one to you? How did you know if it truly was from God?

5. Why do you think God is going to pour out the spirit of prophecy in the last days? Why might the church need this outpouring of the spirit of God?

6. Why did Elisha curse the young men mocking him?

7. Do you agree that some of the gifts of the spirit are being quenched in the American church today?

8. Which spiritual gifts did Elisha employ in this lesson?

9. What is the spirit of prophecy or the gift of prophecy?

10. If John the Baptist and Elijah were called to prepare the way of the Lord, could Elisha have been an early “type of Christ?” We will track any similarities throughout the study.

(We don’t want to have the baptism of Elijah or John, we want more! We want the baptism of Jesus.!)

Home Study: 

Read 2 Kings 2. Write down anything that stood out to you, or questions you have about the text. 

Keep this sheet in your folder.  Add to it now and again as you go through the study.  Look for evidence that the “Man of God” Elisha could be a forerunner of Jesus.  Use the back if needed.

1. Elisha had more of the spirit than Elijah, just like Jesus had WAY more of the spirit than John.

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