MEMORY SCRIPTURE
And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
(2 Kings 2:1)
Elijah’s mentorship of Elisha ignited prophetic zeal, showing the importance of empowering successors to carry forth the torch of godly leadership with unwavering conviction.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 12: A Purposeful Heart (Rut. 1:15,16)
Tue. 13: A Heart Of Determination (Rut. 1:17,18)
Wed. 14: A Heart To Follow God (Rut. 1:22)
Thur. 15: A Word Of Commendation (Rut. 2:11,12)
Fri. 16: A Worthy Care (Rut. 3:1,2)
Sat. 17: A Godly Determination Rewarded (Rut. 4:10,12)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
The mentor and mentee’s shared godly mind and spirit are crucial for the mentee’s success.
INTRODUCTION
TEXT SOURCE: 1 Kings 19:16,19-21; 2 Kgs 2:1-15; 3:11; 4:1ff
To God be the glory for guiding us through the first two units (lessons 1-17) in this series. Last week, we delved into the topic: DAVID UNDER GODLY INFLUENCES, exploring how his obedience to his father indirectly prepared him, and how his selfless commitment as a shepherd ultimately led him to the throne.
This week marks the beginning of unit 3 with the lesson titled ‘Elijah Grooms Elisha for Prophetic Leadership’. Directed by God, Elijah anointed Elisha who wholeheartedly followed him, leaving behind his possessions to serve God and humanity. Let us thank God for Elisha’s example and pray that we never miss our God-sent leaders nor fail to properly groom our God-sent successors, in Jesus’ name.
LESSON OUTLINE
- ELIJAH COMMITS TO GROOMING ELISHA
- ELISHA POURS WATER ON ELIJAH’S HANDS
LESSON EXPOSITION
ELIJAH COMMITS TO GROOMING ELISHA (1 Kgs 19:16; 2 Kgs. 2:1-15)
And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place.
(1 Kg 19:16b)
a) 1 Kgs. 19:16b: God instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha, the son of Shaphat, as his successor. God never jokes with the selection and preparation of future leaders according to His plan.
b) 2 Kgs. 2:1: Elijah mentored Elisha, enabling him to walk and work alongside him. Their final journey symbolised the continuity of ministry, as Elijah passed the prophetic mantle to his disciple.
c) v. 2: Elijah tested Elisha’s resolve. Disciples face deliberate challenge under the guidance of godly mentors (cf. Matt. 26:40-41).
d) vv. 9,10: Despite Elisha’s request for a double portion of his spint, Elijah didn’t envy his aspirations. True mentors are selfless, and the genuinely support their mentees.
e) v. 9: Seeing Elisha’s persistence, Elijah granted him the much anticipated pportunity. True leaders afford their mentees such opportunities for empowerment and future success.
f) v. 15: Elijah’s mentorship of Elisha shaped Elisha into a respected prophet. Investing in discipleship yields significant impact, as seen in Elisha’s journey. True leaders aim to cultivate godliness and success in their followers (Jn. 14:12).
ELISHA POURS WATER ON ELIJAH’S HANDS (1 Kgs. 19:19-21;2 Kgs.2:2,9;3:11;4:1ff)
So one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah”.
(2 Kgs. 3:11b)
a) 1 Kgs. 19:19-21: Despite his success as a farmer, Elisha willing submitted to Elijah’s mentorship, showing that true anointing doesnt rejectauthority.
b) 2 Kgs. 2:2: Elisha exemplified faithful service by remaining devotedt his master until the end. Great blessings come from persistence
c) v.9: Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit rather than material wealth, demonstrated his desire for spiritual empowerment to carry on his mentor’s work (cf. 1 Kgs. 3:9-14).
d) vv. 2,9: Elisha’s determination to follow Elijah, coupled with his desire for the power of the living God, exemplified his commitment t spiritual growth.
e) 3:11b: Elisha’s humble act ofj pouring water on Elijah’s hands proved his faithfulness, simplicity and devotion in serving These revealedhis unwavering commitment to his mentor.
f) 4:1ff: Elisha performed more miracles than Elijah, indicating the continuity of God’s power through successive generations (1 Kgs. 17:14)-reward of Elisha’s diligent waiting, focused service and selfless desire to continue his master’s work and honour his legacy (cf. 2: 9,12)
LESSONS DERIVED
- Leaders should aspire for their followers to surpass them, guiding them towards their destinies as Elijah did for Elisha.
- Fulfilling the Lord’s plan requires determination to finish the grooming process without stopping halfway.
QUESTIONS
- Compare and contrast the leader-follower relationship of Elijah and Elisha with what obtains in the contemporary Church.
- Is there any follower/disciplebeyond grooming or discipleship?
