Finding Great FriendsSample

The prophet Elijah plays a significant role in the Bible. He first appears in 1 Kings, is fed by ravens in the wilderness (1 Kings 17:2–6), witnesses the widow’s jar never running out of oil during a famine (17:7–16), raises the dead (17:17–23), outshines Baal prophets on Mount Carmel (18:16–38), outruns a chariot (18:41–46), is ministered to by an angel (19:5–8), hears the Lord speak (19:9–18), and is swept up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). 

It was shortly after his battle with the Baal prophets that his relationship with Elisha began. In 1 Kings 19:16, the Lord says to Elijah, “Anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.” Imagine God naming your successor for you. No concerns about picking the wrong man.

Elijah found Elisha and threw his cloak around him, a sign of the succession plan, and Elisha responded strongly. The Bible says, “He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.” 

Elisha destroyed his primary means of taking care of himself. By destroying the plow and killing the oxen, he had nothing to turn back to if he struggled with doubt. He fully committed himself to Elijah.

Wouldn’t it be great to have that kind of certainty in a relationship? What I find interesting here is that we’re not told if Elisha had heard from God too. Perhaps God spoke to him in a dream or a gentle whisper as he worked in the fields that day. Could God be whispering that sometimes we must move in friendship on faith alone? Could God have bigger plans for a relationship than you currently see? 

Years ago, a young woman asked if I would mentor her. I was astonished! And honored. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I agreed to love her and guide her as best I could, to gently challenge her thinking and beliefs, and to always point her to God for answers.

Over time, she blossomed. She opened up, strived to know Christ more, and determined to do whatever God wanted. A leadership team I was part of asked her to join us, and she nervously stepped forward. When I moved out of state, she held on and continued to lead.

Elisha knew his separation from his mentor was coming, and from what we’re told in Scripture, I don’t think he was happy about it. They’d been traveling, and everywhere they went, the prophets said to Elisha,  “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?” (2 Kings 2:3, 5). And Elisha would respond, “Yes, I know, so be quiet.”

Think about the responsibility about to transfer from Elijah to Elisha. Apprehension and nervousness was appropriate. The fact that God granted his request reveals the condition of his heart. If Elisha had merely wanted the power and prestige of his new position, then I don’t think God would have acquiesced. But the fact that God did bless Elisha by granting his double portion points to a heart that wanted to serve, wanted to do great things and bring God tremendous glory.