Seed Devotion: Elisha’s Curse
by Brandon Bracey
Scripture: 2 Kings 2:23-24
In the book of 2 Kings, Elisha was to become the successor to his mentor Elijah as leader of the prophets. God would use Elisha to accomplish more than Elijah did when he was the leader. In 2 Kings 2 there were incidents that were testimonies to Elisha's commission as a prophet of God. These incidents showed Elisha's power and authority, as well as, his position as Israel's chief prophet under God's authority. These incidents included the Jordan River parting and the spring purified at Jericho. Elisha held the office of prophet in Israel for 55 years.
After these incidents we see in verses 23& 24 that Elisha is being jeered by some youth. I have noticed that religious leaders are often jeered and made fun of. Comedians make fun of them. Celebrities mock them. Quite often people see religion and religious leaders as a joke. The youth that jeered Elisha were from Bethel, which was the religious center of idolatry in the Northern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom was Israel. They called him, " baldhead". They were probably jeering Elisha because they believed he would speak against their immorality as Elijah had done. But by their teasing they were showing disrespect not only to Elisha, but also Elisha's message and God's power.
Unfortunately, these young men paid for their jeering with their lives. Elisha cursed the young men and bears came out and mauled forty-two of the youth. God sent these bears as judgment for the unbelief of the young men.
It has always bothered me that people would often laugh at a religious leader who commited sin and not even pray for them. Now Elisha did not commit sin, but I say that to say that true leaders who follow God need to be respected and encouraged in their ministry. When we disrespect God's leaders, we are disrespecting God. Therefore, it is a dangerous thing to do God's prophets any harm.
Heavenly Father,
I pray for those who show lack of respect for your leaders. Touch their hearts Lord so that they may see the error of their ways. Forgive them and help them spiritually. Let them be mindful that often the leaders that they laughed at have prayed for them. I ask Holy Spirit that you would encourage our leaders and show them your love and goodness. Give them strength to continue to fight for what's right and never waver, in Jesus name Amen.
Reference: Life Application Study Bible
If you would like to receive Jesus as Lord of your life, please pray this prayer: "Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me of all sin.Lord Jesus I ask you to come into my heart. I make you Lord of my life. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen." If you have prayed this prayer congratulations! You are saved and a part of the Family of God! The next step is to get into a good bible-based church where the word of God is proclaimed! Please email me at: brandon_bracey00@yahoo.com so I can assist you in your new beginning!