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Elisha, Gentle Prophet of Peace
This chapter is based on 2 Kings 4.
God had committed messages of condemnation and judgment
to Elijah, who raised his voice in fearless reproof. Elisha’s mission
was more peaceful—to strengthen the work Elijah had begun, to
teach people the way of the Lord. The Bible pictures him as coming
into personal touch with the people, bringing healing and rejoicing.
Elisha had a mild and kindly spirit, but he could also be stern,
as when some ungodly youth mocked him on his way to Bethel.
They had heard of Elijah’s ascension and made this solemn event
into a taunt for Elisha, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you
baldhead!”
2 Kings 2:23
. Under the Almighty’s inspiration the
prophet pronounced a curse on them. The awful judgment that
followed came from God. “Two female bears came out of the woods
and mauled forty-two” of them.
Verse 24
.
If Elisha had allowed the mockery to pass unnoticed, he would
have continued to be ridiculed by the rabble, and his mission in a
time of national danger might have been defeated. This one example
of severe judgment was sufficient to command respect throughout
his life. For fifty years he went from city to city, passing through
crowds of rude, unrestrained youth, but none mocked him as the
prophet of the Most High.
Even kindness should have its limits. The so-called tenderness
of parents who coax and indulge their young people is one of the
worst evils that can come on the youth. In every family, firmness
and positive requirements are essential.
Every child should be taught to show true reverence for God.
Never should His name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly. Children
should show reverence for God’s representatives—ministers, teach-
ers, and parents, who are called to act in His place. In respecting
them, young people honor God.
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