Elisha: Tenacity, Calling, and God's Empowering Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: Tenacious Commitment in Following God’s Call

Elisha’s unwavering determination to stay with Elijah, even when told to turn back, demonstrates a tenacity rooted in his calling from God. He had already left behind his old life, burning his plow and sacrificing his oxen, so there was nothing to return to—his future was fully invested in God’s purpose. This kind of commitment is not swayed by obstacles, discouragement, or even the advice of others; it is a steadfast resolve to not miss a moment of what God is doing. The challenge for us is to examine whether we follow Jesus with the same persistence, refusing to give up or turn back when things get tough, and to ask God for a heart that is determined to pursue Him above all else. [48:08]

2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6 (ESV)
And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
And Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho.
Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you tend to give up or turn back when following Jesus becomes difficult, and what would it look like to pursue Him with Elisha’s tenacity today?

Day 2: God’s Calling and Your Unique Purpose

Every believer has a calling from God, not just those in vocational ministry. Whether you are a teacher, doctor, businessperson, or student, God has placed you where you are for a reason—to shine the light of the Gospel and make disciples. The core of our calling is to know Jesus and make Him known, but the avenues are as diverse as our lives. When you understand your calling, it fuels your commitment and gives you courage to live boldly, even in the face of opposition. God is inviting you to step up, stop living in fear, and boldly proclaim what He has done in your life, trusting that He will equip and empower you for the mission He’s given you. [51:06]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Where has God uniquely placed you to make Him known, and how can you intentionally live out your calling in that environment this week?

Day 3: Desiring God’s Power Above All Else

Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit reveals a heart that longs for God’s power to fulfill God’s calling, rather than for personal gain or comfort. He could have asked for wealth, status, or security, but he knew that only the Spirit’s empowerment would enable him to accomplish what God had set before him. This challenges us to examine our own desires and prayers—are we asking God for things that matter for eternity, or are we settling for lesser, temporary things? God longs to give us more than we often ask for, and He invites us to seek His Spirit’s power to live for His glory and impact the world around us. [54:55]

2 Kings 2:9 (ESV)
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.”

Reflection: If God answered your greatest prayer today, would it impact eternity—or are you settling for less than what God wants to do through you?

Day 4: God’s Power at Work—From Curse to Blessing

Through Elisha, God miraculously healed the waters of Jericho, turning a place of curse and death into a source of life and fruitfulness. The salt Elisha used was powerless on its own; it was God’s supernatural intervention that brought healing. This story reminds us that God can redeem even the most broken and barren places in our lives and communities, bringing restoration where there was once loss or pain. No matter the history or the depth of the problem, God’s power is able to transform and bring new life, pointing us to His desire to heal and restore. [01:05:50]

2 Kings 2:19-22 (ESV)
Now the men of the city said to Elisha, “Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.” He said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, “Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it.” So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke.

Reflection: What is one area of your life or community that feels barren or broken, and how can you invite God’s healing power to bring restoration there?

Day 5: Jesus—The Ultimate Source of Salvation and Life

The ministry of Elisha, like that of Joshua and all the prophets, ultimately points us to Jesus, whose very name means “God is salvation.” Jesus is not just a signpost to God’s deliverance—He is the fulfillment, the one who breaks the ultimate curse of sin and death and offers eternal life to all who believe. All of Scripture bears witness to Him, and nothing else matters if we miss knowing Him personally. Salvation is not about our works or efforts, but about trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Today, the invitation is open: turn from your ways, believe in Jesus, and receive the life only He can give. [01:09:54]

John 5:39 (ESV)
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.

Reflection: Have you truly made Jesus the Lord of your life, trusting in Him alone for salvation—and if so, how can you point others to Him this week?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the transition from Elijah to Elisha, a pivotal moment in Israel’s history and a powerful illustration of God’s faithfulness to raise up new leaders for every generation. Elisha’s story begins with a remarkable tenacity—he refuses to leave Elijah’s side, even when given every opportunity to turn back. This steadfastness is rooted in his calling; Elisha had already left everything behind to follow God’s purpose for his life. His commitment is a challenge to us: do we follow Jesus with that same unwavering resolve, or do we falter when things get difficult?

Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit reveals his heart. He doesn’t ask for wealth, status, or comfort, but for the spiritual power necessary to fulfill his calling. This is a reminder that God’s calling on our lives always requires God’s power. Too often, our prayers are limited to temporary needs, but Elisha’s example calls us to desire more—to long for God’s Spirit to work through us in ways that impact eternity.

God answers Elisha’s bold request. The double portion is confirmed as Elisha witnesses Elijah’s ascension, parts the Jordan River, and is recognized by the prophetic community. Elisha’s ministry is marked by even more miracles than Elijah’s, demonstrating that God is not limited by the past but is always ready to do a new work through those who are surrendered to Him.

The healing of Jericho’s waters is a vivid picture of God’s grace. Even in a place marked by curse and disobedience, God brings life and fruitfulness through His chosen servant. This miracle, and Elisha’s entire ministry, ultimately point us to Jesus—the true and greater prophet, whose name means “God is salvation.” Jesus alone breaks the ultimate curse of sin and death, offering life to all who believe.

The invitation is clear: if you do not know Jesus, nothing else matters. He is the fulfillment of every promise and the only source of true life. For those who do know Him, the call is to live with the same tenacity, boldness, and dependence on the Spirit that marked Elisha’s life. God desires to work through us, not just for our own sake, but so that His glory might be seen and more people might come to know Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Tenacity in Following God’s Call Elisha’s refusal to leave Elijah’s side, even when encouraged to do so, demonstrates a tenacity rooted in his calling. True commitment to God means holding fast even when the path is difficult or when others discourage us. This kind of perseverance is only possible when we have surrendered everything else and fixed our eyes on God’s purpose for our lives. [47:38]
2. Knowing Your Calling Fuels Commitment Elisha’s unwavering commitment flowed from a clear sense of calling—he had already left behind his old life and had nothing to return to. Many struggle with commitment because they have not yet discovered or embraced God’s unique purpose for them. When you know you are called, perseverance becomes a natural response, and you are empowered to endure opposition and uncertainty. [49:49]
3. God’s Calling Always Requires God’s Power Elisha’s request for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit reveals a profound truth: we cannot fulfill God’s calling in our own strength. If our prayers and ambitions can be accomplished without God’s intervention, we may be pursuing our own plans rather than His. The Spirit’s empowerment is essential for a life that impacts eternity and brings glory to God. [54:55]
4. Eternal Perspective in Prayer and Desire Elisha’s bold request challenges us to examine the focus of our own prayers. Are we asking God for things that matter for eternity, or are we content with temporary blessings? God longs to give us more than we often ask for, but we must align our desires with His purposes and seek the things that truly last. [56:35]
5. Every Miracle Points to Jesus, the True Source of Life The miracles in Elisha’s ministry, especially the healing of Jericho’s waters, are not just displays of power—they are signs that point forward to Jesus. Where there was curse and death, God brings life through His chosen servant. Ultimately, only Jesus can break the curse of sin and offer salvation; all of Scripture points to Him as the fulfillment of God’s promise. [68:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[38:00] - Opening and Prayer for Government Shutdown
[39:54] - Introduction to Elisha Series
[41:05] - The Importance of This Spiritual Season
[44:20] - Elisha’s Tenacity and Commitment
[46:43] - The Cost and Root of Elisha’s Commitment
[49:49] - Discovering and Embracing Your Calling
[51:51] - Elisha’s Bold Request for a Double Portion
[54:55] - The Necessity of God’s Power for God’s Call
[56:35] - Eternal Perspective in Our Prayers
[59:31] - God’s Answer: Elisha’s Empowerment
[62:18] - Elisha’s First Miracles
[64:01] - The Curse and Healing of Jericho
[67:19] - Elisha, Joshua, and Jesus: The Greater Story
[68:56] - The Gospel Invitation
[72:33] - Challenge to Believers and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Kings 2:1-15 (ESV) — Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel... [Read through verse 15 for the full story of Elisha’s tenacity, Elijah’s ascension, and Elisha’s first miracle.]

Joshua 6:26 (ESV) — Joshua laid an oath on them at that time, saying, “Cursed before the Lord be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.”

Matthew 1:21 (ESV) — “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Observation Questions

What did Elisha do each time Elijah told him to stay behind as they traveled from place to place? ([45:16])
What was the significance of Elisha’s request for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit? ([52:22])
How did God confirm that Elisha had received Elijah’s spirit and calling? ([01:00:32])
What miracle did Elisha perform in Jericho, and what was the problem with the city’s water? ([01:02:45])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Elisha was so determined not to leave Elijah, even when given multiple chances to turn back? What does this reveal about his sense of calling? ([47:38])
Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit rather than wealth or status. What does this say about what he valued most, and how does that challenge our own desires? ([54:18])
The healing of Jericho’s waters happened in a city that was under a curse because of disobedience (Joshua 6:26). What does this miracle teach about God’s grace and willingness to bring life even in places marked by failure? ([01:05:26])
The sermon says that all of Elisha’s miracles ultimately point to Jesus, the true source of life. How does seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of these stories change the way we read the Old Testament? ([01:08:56])

Application Questions

Elisha’s tenacity was rooted in his calling—he had already left everything behind to follow God. Is there anything in your life that you are holding onto that keeps you from following Jesus with that same kind of commitment? What would it look like to “burn the plow” in your own life? ([47:10])
The sermon challenged us to examine the focus of our prayers. Are your prayers mostly about temporary needs, or do you regularly ask God for things that matter for eternity? What is one way you could shift your prayers this week to reflect an eternal perspective? ([56:35])
Elisha knew he could not fulfill God’s calling in his own strength and asked for God’s power. Are there areas in your life where you are trying to serve God without relying on His Spirit? How can you invite God’s power into those areas? ([54:55])
The healing of Jericho’s waters is a picture of God bringing life where there was curse and death. Is there a situation or relationship in your life that feels “cursed” or hopeless? How might God want to bring healing or new life there? ([01:05:26])
The sermon said, “If you do not know Jesus, nothing else matters.” Have you made a personal decision to trust Jesus as your Savior? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how does that decision shape your daily life? ([01:08:56])
For those who already know Jesus, the call is to live with tenacity, boldness, and dependence on the Spirit. What is one specific step you can take this week to live out your calling more boldly? ([01:14:12])
Elisha’s ministry was not just for his own sake, but so that God’s glory would be seen and more people would come to know Him. Who is one person in your life you can pray for or reach out to this week so that they might see God’s glory through you? ([01:14:12])

Sermon Clips

Sometimes we find ourselves in seasons of life where we know the moments we're walking through are significant, that today is important, and what happens in the next weeks and months is gonna have a major impact on eternity. Church I want you to be aware that we are walking through one of those seasons right now, that we are seeing God do some incredible works, that even though our world may be in chaos or uncertainty, we are seeing God draw people to himself. [00:42:49] (28 seconds) #SeasonsOfEternalImpact

The word tenacity can be defined as very determined, persistent, especially in the face of difficult obstacles. It carries this idea of gripping something firmly. It involves a strong will and the ability to keep going and to hold fast to a goal rather than giving up. This is what was demonstrated in Elisha's refusal to turn back. [00:46:23] (24 seconds) #TenacityInFaith

He had left it all behind to follow the prophet of God because he wanted to learn from him. He wanted to see what God was gonna do. And he knew that God was calling him to something greater and he wasn't gonna settle for anything less. He kept following, even. Even when it was hard, even when others discouraged him, even when his own teacher told him that he should stay back. He remained faithful because he didn't want to miss a moment of what God was doing. [00:47:24] (27 seconds) #FaithfulPursuit

I believe that God is calling the people of God to stand up in the midst of a lost and broken world where they will face opposition. And he's calling us to follow him with tenacity, to be determined, persistent, fixing our eyes on the prize rather than giving up. [00:49:10] (18 seconds) #StandFirmInFaith

God has given your life a purpose. He has a plan for it. And there is a calling on your life. Some of you, God has called to be pastors and missionaries and evangelists. And I want to tell you if God has called you to, that you be faithful right now. You use the gifts that he's given to serve him. And he will open the doors for you to impact people, for the kingdom of God. [00:49:58] (23 seconds) #PurposeDrivenCalling

But others, God has called you to be doctors, to be lawyers, to be teachers, to be nurses, to be businessmen and women. And I want you to see this. He didn't just call you there to make money. He didn't just call you there to achieve accolades and to gain status. But God has gifted you, he has equipped you, he has placed you there. And he will fill you with his spirit so that you can go and you can proclaim the good news of who Jesus is and you can make disciples right where you're at. [00:50:20] (32 seconds) #KingdomInEveryCareer

The healing that took place in this passage was done by supernatural means. As we look at this passage, what we see is that the work that Elisha does, the life of Elisha, parallels with Joshua. In fact, many scholars even refer to this passage and say the new Joshua has healed the waters. [01:06:08] (22 seconds) #HealingThroughGodsPower

I believe what God is trying to show us in these verses is that the same God in power that was with Moses, the same God in power that was with Joshua, the same power and spirit that rested with Elijah, now rest on Elisha, that he is the prophet of God that will be used during this time period to carry out the work of the Lord. [01:07:19] (22 seconds) #SpiritOfElisha

You see, Jesus came to this earth. He lived a perfect life, and he walked among us and he went to the cross. And he laid down his life to pay the price for my sin. And for your sin he was buried. And he rose again to defeat the curse of sin and death that plagues all of humanity. And I want you to know that he has broken the ultimate curse, that where death once reigned, he now offers life to all who believe. [01:08:56] (28 seconds) #JesusBreaksTheCurse

If you know him, if you have a relationship with Jesus, I want to ask you, have you answered the call? Are you walking in obedience with unwavering commitment? Is the Holy Spirit empowering you to live on mission for him? [01:12:49] (18 seconds) #AnsweredTheCall

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Transcript

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