The Protégé of the Prophet

This evening we want to build on all that we have studied thus far, by seeing how God further led Elijah on to fulfill His purpose for His life by giving him a protégé to stand next to him, to help him, in this next and final stage in his ministry, the prophet Elisha. A protégé is a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced or influential person. They are a person under the patronage, protection, or care of someone interested in his or her career, or welfare. Elisha was appointed by God to be Elijah’s protégé. He was to learn many good things from Elijah, and they would begin immediately. 1st of all – Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him, showing him that he would guide Elisha into the understanding of his call. 2nd – Elijah permitted him to take the time to say goodbye to his parents; showing Elisha that affection for family is right in a minister. 3rd – Elijah was not impatient with Elisha in regard to taking up his responsibility to follow him, but he waited until Elisha had explained to his people the meaning of his call.