The lecture by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents the features of the Prophet Elisha, as a prophet chosen by God, a man of miracles, a faithful disciple of Elijah, carrying a spirit of strength and firmness, and offering an example of obedience, faith, and sincere service.

1. The calling of Elisha and his obedience

• God chose him to be Elijah’s successor, and the calling appeared through Elijah casting the mantle upon him.

• He accepted the call with humility, honored his parents first, and offered a thanksgiving sacrifice before following Elijah.

• He spent a long period as a disciple, learning service and obedience.

2. His spiritual connection with Elijah

• He insisted on receiving the blessing before Elijah’s departure, declaring: “As the Lord lives… I will not leave you.”

• He asked for “a double portion of your spirit upon me,” meaning a double measure of spiritual power and prophetic style.

• He saw Elijah’s ascent in the chariot of fire, interpreted as angels appearing in a fiery spiritual form.

3. The beginning of his ministry and the power of the miracle

• He used Elijah’s mantle to strike the Jordan and it parted, confirming the blessing upon him.

• The sons of the prophets bowed before him in respect, seeing that Elijah’s spirit rested upon him.

• His ministry was marked by strength, firmness, divine obedience, and loving correction.

4. His various miracles

1. The widow’s oil

He blessed the oil until all vessels were filled, speaking simply: “Thus says the Lord.”

2. Multiplying the bread

Twenty barley loaves fed one hundred men, with leftovers.

3. The Shunammite woman

• He promised her a son despite her husband’s old age.

• When the child died, she clung to hope and brought the prophet.

• He raised him from the dead.

• Even after Elisha’s death, his bones raised another dead man.

4. Naaman the Syrian

• He ordered him to wash in the Jordan seven times and he was healed.

• He refused all gifts.

• Gehazi his disciple did not learn, and leprosy struck him because of greed.

5. Spiritual lessons from Elisha’s life

• Power of discipleship: True discipleship transforms a person.

• Rejecting greed: A true servant seeks nothing for himself.

• Presence of angels: Just as God opened the servant’s eyes to see the fiery chariots, we also need spiritual sight.

• Obedience and steadfastness: “I will not leave you” reflects perseverance to receive the blessing.

Spiritual conclusion

Elisha is a prophet who carries the spirit of Elijah, an example of faithful discipleship, pure service, and faith that performs miracles through the word of God. His life calls every believer to cling to blessing, learn with humility, and see the unseen with spiritual eyes.

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