Sene 20 — June 27

Elisha Asks for a Special Gift

Today we remember the great prophet Elisha (say it: eh-LIE-shah). A prophet is someone God chooses to speak His words to people. Elisha was born in a town in Israel, and when he grew up he became the helper of another prophet named Elijah.

Elisha loved Elijah and listened to him carefully. One day God was going to take Elijah up to heaven. Before he went, Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask me for anything you want." Elisha did not ask for money or treasure. He asked for something far better: a big helping of God's Spirit, so he could serve God well.

Then chariots of fire and horses of fire came down, and Elijah went up into heaven. As he rose, his cloak fell down to Elisha. From that day, God filled Elisha with His Spirit, just as he had asked.

Let a double portion of the spirit which is upon thee be upon me.— 2 Kings 2:9

Elisha's Wonderful Miracles

God worked many wonders through Elisha. The people of a city named Jericho had bad water, and their plants would not grow. Elisha put some salt into the water and prayed, and the water turned fresh and sweet. Everyone was so happy.

Once a kind woman was very sad. Her husband had died and owed money, and she had no way to pay. Elisha told her to gather all the jars in her house and borrow more from her neighbors. Then, by his prayer, God filled every jar with good oil. The woman sold the oil, paid what was owed, and had enough left to live on.

Elisha also prayed for a woman who had no children, and God gave her a son. Later that little boy grew very sick and died. Elisha prayed over him, and God brought him back to life. There was also a man named Naaman who was sick with a skin sickness called leprosy. Elisha helped him, and God made him completely well. Naaman wanted to give Elisha gold and fine clothes to say thank you, but Elisha would not take any of it, because he served God, not money.

Elisha would not take any gold for himself, because he served God and not money.

God Cared for Elisha to the End

When a long time came with very little food, Elisha prayed, and in just one night God sent plenty of food for everyone. God was always with him.

Elisha was a prophet for more than fifty years, during the time of four different kings. He told people about God's love, and he even spoke about Jesus coming to the world many, many years before Jesus was born. After a long and faithful life, Elisha died in peace.

Here is the most surprising part. Even after Elisha had died, God's power was still with him. One day some people were burying another man, and when that man touched Elisha's resting place, he came back to life and stood right up. This showed everyone that God is the giver of life.

Two More Faithful Friends of God

Today we also remember a brave man named Arsastal, who is called a martyr. He stayed true to God even when it cost him his life. He loved God with all his heart and never stopped trusting Him.

We remember Minas of Busar too, another good and faithful servant of God. We thank God for all these brave and loving people, and we ask them to pray for us.