What can we learn about mentorship from Elijah and Elisha's relationship? The setting of 2 Kings 2:4 “Then Elijah said to him, ‘Elisha, stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.’ But Elisha replied, ‘As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went to Jericho.” Relational commitment: Elisha’s refusal to leave • Elisha echoes the covenant oath formula (“As surely as the LORD lives…”) showing that his loyalty to Elijah is grounded in loyalty to God. • This mirrors Ruth’s pledge to Naomi in Ruth 1:16–17, illustrating that true mentorship carries covenant-like faithfulness. • Elisha’s words reprise 2 Kings 2:2, 6; each time Elijah tests him, Elisha stays—mentorship endures repeated trials. Principles of godly mentorship from Elijah and Elisha 1. Persevering proximity – Elisha stays physically close (2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6). Presence communicates worth more than speeches. 2. Humble service before leadership – He previously “poured water on the hands of Elijah” (2 Kings 3:11). Serving opens doors to inherit a mantle. 3. Costly separation from the past – At the calling (1 Kings 19:19-21) Elisha slaughtered his oxen—no safety net, only full commitment. 4. Transparent transfer of spiritual power – Elijah’s mantle falls on Elisha (2 Kings 2:13-15). Mentorship aims at replication, not mere information. 5. Public validation of the successor – “The sons of the prophets… said, ‘The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha’” (v. 15). Healthy mentors affirm mentees before others. Echoes in the wider canon • Moses and Joshua—Deuteronomy 34:9: “Joshua… was filled with the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him.” • Paul and Timothy—2 Timothy 2:2: pass truth “to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others.” • Jesus and His disciples—Luke 6:40: “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Taking the mantle forward: practical takeaways – Stay close: meet regularly, walk life’s road together, refuse to “leave” when inconvenient. – Serve first: wash dishes, carry bags, make coffee—service tills the soil for impartation. – Cut ties with lesser loyalties: eliminate the “Plan B” that competes with wholehearted follow-through. – Aim for reproduction: pray for double portions, equip mentees to exceed you. – Publicly encourage growth: speak honor over a protégé so others recognize God’s hand. Living it out today • Seek mentors who model holiness and purpose; pursue them persistently. • As a mentor, invite others into your journeys to Bethel, Jericho, Jordan—ordinary places where God shapes extraordinary servants. |
    |