When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: "Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel." (2 Kings 5:8)
Who could replace a mighty prophet like Elijah? When the time came to choose a successor, Elijah settled on his most faithful companion, a farmer named Elisha. While Elijah was a loner, often a fugitive, and preached a stern message of judgment, Elisha lived among common people, and stressed life, hope, and God's grace.
Elisha lived a colorful life: He led a school of prophets, served as a military spy, advised kings, and even anointed revolutionaries. Easily recognizable with his bald head and wooden walking staff, he became a famous figure in Israel, especially as reports of his miracles spread. Elisha had asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, and the Bible pointedly records about twice as many miracles performed by Elisha. Many of these miracles prefigure the miracles Jesus himself would later perform; they show God caring for the needs of poor and outcast people.
In this chapter Elisha is seen offering assistance to a high-ranking enemy general. Naaman's pilgrimage shows how far Elisha's fame had spread. A pagan king was willing to seek help from God's prophet in order to get a general's health restored.
Elisha's brusque treatment of generals and kings contrasts sharply with the tenderness he showed toward the poor and oppressed. The bizarre procedure he prescribed, along with his refusal to take payment, offended Naaman. Elisha, however, was making it clear that healing came not through magical powers or a shaman's secret technique, but through God - and God required obedience and humility even of five-star generals with piles of gold.
Jesus referred to this story at the beginning of his ministry (Luke 4:27). He made the same point as Elisha: Don't try to "box in" God. He is to be obeyed, on his own terms, not manipulated.
Life Question: One writer has defined the Christian life as "living by God's surprises." Has God ever surprised you?
