Gifted Like

Elishathe prophet

Who was Elisha?• Became attendant/disciple of Elijah• Prophet and greatest miracle worker of the

northern kingdom of Israel during reign of Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz and Joash

• Son of Shaphat, a wealthy land-owner of Abel-meholah

Characteristics of Elisha• Bald – smooth skin (vs. hairy Elijah)• From wealthy family (12 oxen)• Family minded – “let me kiss my father &

mother and then follow you”• Faithful, focused and determined

1 Kings 19:19So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with

twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him

and threw his mantle on him.

God has fashioned each of us perfectly

for unique roles in his service

Was Elisha a gifted person?• Bible does not record so – ordinary farmer• Until Elijah passed his mantle to him• Spiritual gifts can be imparted• It can change our lives (if we desire it)

1 Cor 14:1

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

Elisha received a double portion (1st born) because he was faithful to the

end (X2 Elijah’s miracles)

Elisha performed 28 miracles

School of Prophets (1 Sam 10:5) And it will happen, when you have come there

to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with

a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute, and a harp before them; and they will be

prophesying.

Supernatural Gifts Linked to Worship• David the worshipper

moved in the supernatural to kill lion and bear and Goliath

• Worship brings us into the realm of the Spirit

Supernatural Gifts• Can greatly impact your ministry – Samuel• Can greatly impact others – Elijah & Elisha• Many heroes in OT & NT have significant

spiritual gifts in operation – Joseph, Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Samuel, Daniel, Peter, Paul, etc

Ordinary to Supernatural1 Cor 14:31-32

31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets (so it’s up to us, not God, to tap

into the supernatural)

More so in the New Covenant Ordinary believers who are baptized in the Holy Spirit can now operate in the supernatural, like Stephen and Philip

John 14:12"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in

Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I

go to My Father.

Keys to Elisha’s Anointing1. He honoured his parents2. He forsook all and pursued the call of

God3. He had a great spiritual mentor/father4. He was faithful to Elijah to the end