Jack Gutknecht ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Great question, John!

Both Elijah and Elisha were concerned that the next generation know the Lord and understand His Word, and this is the church’s commission today (2 Tim. 2:2). D. L. Moody and Charles Spurgeon were not privileged to have formal training for ministry, but both of them started schools that are still training God’s servants today. It’s good to serve our own generation, but let’s not forget the generations to come. Wiersbe

"Elijah prepared Elisha for his commission (2 Kings 2:1-14), and the two became devoted to each other.

Elisha suggests the ministry of Christ. On the whole, Elijah’s work was destructive—he was the prophet of fire. Elisha’s task was more merciful and beneficial. He had double the power of Elijah (2 Kings 2:8, 9, 15), and consequently performed twice as many miracles as his former master. The following contrasts between these two prophets can be noted:

Elijah was a prophet of the wilderness;
Elisha was a prince of the court.

Elijah had no settled home;
Elisha enjoyed the peace of a home.

Elijah was known by his long hair and shaggy mantle;
Elisha by his staff and bald head.

Elijah was mainly prophetical;
Elisha’s work was mainly miraculous.

Elijah’s ministry was one of stern denunciation;
Elisha’s task was that of teaching and winning.

Elijah was a rebuker of kings;
Elisha was a friend and admirer.

Elijah was a messenger of vengeance;
Elisha was a messenger of mercy.

Elijah represented exclusiveness;
Elisha stood for comprehension.

Elijah was fierce, fiery, energetic;
Elisha was gentle, sympathetic, simple.

Elijah was a solitary figure;
Elisha was more social.

Elijah had an extraordinary disappearance from earth;
Elisha’s death was ordinary." --Lockyer


Elijah was as a fearless, bold and dauntless reformer (1 Kings 18:17-46). 
As he went before Ahab (1 Kings 17:1), I learned that when God commands us to speak, no thought of peril need make us dumb.
Elisha was a man of dauntless courage (2 Kings 3). Oh how I would love to have this same courage! (Acts 4:13, 31) Courage in witnessing. Lockyer

June 16 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report