Sermon Summary

In the story of Elisha, we read how he rose from mediocrity to higher goals. 1 Kings 19:19 . The story of Elisha begins with him plowing with 12 yoke of oxen. This is hard work and a humble job of a farmer.

Prophets and Kings pg 223 As the gospel is proclaimed in its purity, men will be called from the plow and from the common commercial business vocations that largely occupy the mind and will be educated in connection with men of experience. As they learn to labor effectively, they will proclaim the truth with power.

Elisha received a call from God and began to serve him.

2 Kings 3:11 Jehoshaphat inquired about a prophet. A servant mentioned Elisha saying "He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah." Pouring water on someone else's hands is a humble work.

You may have been called to a humble work. But whatsoever God has called you to is important.

Education page 61 None may know what place ...

Faithfulness in little things prepares us for greater service.

Elisha was able to observe Elijah. and when Elijah asked him what he wanted, he asked for

2 Kings 2:9 a double portion of his spirit. He could have asked for wisdom or riches.

Singles remember, God has something suppremely excellent for you - to fill you with His spirit. The book Gospel Workers says "The gift of the Holy Spirit brings all other gifts in its wake." Elisha recognized this. And after receiving this spirit, he kept true to God.

2 Kings 5 In the story of Naaman, he found the prophet Elisha but scoffed at the plea to wash in the Jordan. But he finally agreed and was healed. The Assyrian captain offered the prophet a reward but he declined. He recognized it was God's power. He demonstrated a spirit of self-denial.

It is only when we recognize what God has accomplished that we realize what we can achieve with His power.

Testimonies Vol 3 page 453 - [find exact quote] Life in this tempestuous world .... God's grace is sufficient. He will help us.

2 Kings 6:17 When the city was surrounded, young men fainted but Elisha prayed. Elisha recognized that God's protective hand was over him. Angels rescued them leading the soldiers away. Elisha had the opportunity to destroy the army, but instead disarmed them and sent them home.

Elisha was an extraordinary man of prayer. Any man can make God his savior and friend. How is your prayer life?

Pastor Roberts related an account from the Columbian mission at which he served. They asked for a pastor from America to be sent. But the committee instead wanted a man of more experience. The mission prayed again and asked the committee to reconsider. They did and the pastor was called. God can change the minds of a committee.

Thinking about our lives and considering Elisha, we see we can reach out and ask for divine wisdom and power to God's will. He longs to inspire us to realize God's plan.