“Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.” (v.11)
Here in chapter 3 we find Israel, Juda, and Edom joining together to fight against Moab. They marched on a roundabouty route by the way of the "Wilderness of Edom” for 7 days to attack Moab from the south. This route, chosen by the king of Judah, took them through the very dry desert of the Edomites where there was no water for the army, nor for the animals that followed them. And the king of Israel said, “Alas! For the LORD has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” Jehoram’s guilty conscience convinced him that this calamity was the judgment of God. His own sin made him think that everything that happened against him was the judgment of God.
But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?” So one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.” And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the LORD is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. (vv.11-12)
What did Jehoram's servant mean when he said that Elisha "poured water on the hands of Elijah?” I believe that it was a way of saying that Elisha had been Elijah's servant. Before Elisha became God's spokesman, he had humbly served in Elijah's shadow.
This is a great reminder to all of us that, no service is to small when it's for the Lord. Yes Elisha was a prophet but, rank, position, or title, are not nearly as important as being willing to serve wherever the Lord places you, even if it’s “pouring water.” Therefore, do it well – that someday you may hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the LORD.”
The Truth: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance...” (Colossians 3:23-24)
Introduction
