2 Kings 2:19–25 ‘This is what the LORD says: “I have healed this water.”’ (v21)
In today’s passage, we see Elisha experiencing some of the highs and lows of his new title, ‘prophet’.
He begins by exercising his authority as a man of God, ushering in God’s healing of the water, much to the delight of the townspeople of Jericho.
After God’s intervention they would now be able to grow food and have a safe source of water. But then Elisha’s confidence in being God’s prophet takes a hit when a band of men by the side of the road call him ‘baldy’.
As his predecessor, Elijah, was known as the hairy prophet, the jeerers may have been implying that the newly appointed prophet was not up to the job.
His response? Call down a curse from God, with forty-two mauled by bears. Perhaps the group of youths was rather large and were getting out of control; that so many were hurt by the animals indicates that this wasn’t a small group.
Of course, today we no longer call down curses on one another – Jesus’ death on the cross has relieved us from the curse of sin, and Jesus commanded us to love our enemies.
But these displays of power, when Elisha blessed the water and cursed the jeerers, serve
as confirmation of his authority, both in the eyes of the people, and perhaps himself too.
As you ponder Elisha stepping into this mantle of prophet, take some moments to consider when you’ve started a new role, whether paid or voluntary, and how you felt in the early days. If you felt out of your depth, how did God meet you and help you?
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord God, help me to be aware of Your presence. I want to seek You, and not merely Your blessings. Please help me when I experience the consequences of sin. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Ponder what role God might be calling you to. Have you felt a shifting from one position to another, and if yes, how do you feel about this?
Scripture To Consider:
Num. 12:5–8; Deut. 18:15–22; 2 Cor. 2:14–16; 2 Tim. 3:16–17
