Have you ever had a friend who made a difference during a difficult situation? How did that change your life? What does this tell you about the importance of friendships? While it takes effort to be a friend, it benefits us and those around us. Elisha knew how to be a friend of his fellow prophet Elijah. When the Lord directed Elijah to go to Bethel, Jericho and the Jordan River, Elisha went with him as we see in our story.
2 Kings 2:1When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” So, they went down together to Bethel.
3 The group of prophets from Bethel came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?” “Of course, I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.” 4 Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Jericho.” But Elisha replied again, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So, they went on together to Jericho. [1]
What can we learn about Elisha’s friendship with Elijah that can help us today?
- Elisha took time to be with Elijah on different trips where the Lord was directing him. A good friend invests time in others.
- A good friend knows when to invest time in others. Even though Elijah said he could go to Bethel, Jericho, and the Jordan River by himself, I believe Elisha knew it was important to go with him. As adults, we often tell people we can do things ourselves and at the same time want our friend or friends to help us.
- A good friend is honest. Elisha was honest with Elijah when he told him he would never leave him. If I would have been Elijah, those words would have been encouraging.
- Elisha was loyal to Elijah. Elisha was training under Elijah to be a prophet and was loyal and supportive of Elijah. We need to do the same with our friends.
- A good friend takes interest in the details of your life. Elisha was not only learning how to be a prophet from Elijah, he was interested in being with him when God took him to heaven.
As we think about friends, we have no greater friend in our life than Jesus. He knows more about us than anyone. These three verses give us a brief insight into our wonderful Savior Jesus. Be uplifted today as you reflect that Jesus is not only Savior but friend.
- John 15:15 – I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.[2]
- John 15:13 –There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.[3]
- Revelation 3:20 – “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. [4]
To hear more about the story of Elijah and Elisha, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/the-call/the-call-elisha
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.