Introduction

Good morning, family! Today, we're going to explore the power of mentorship and the blessing of equipping others, as we dig into the story of Elijah and Elisha found in 2 Kings 2:9-10.

As John C. Maxwell once said, "One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination." This quote encapsulates the essence of today's message—a mentor's gift is invaluable and empowering.

Let's first read the full Scripture passage from 2 Kings 2:9-10 (NIV):

"9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?'

'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied.

10 'You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah said, 'yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.'"

The Power of a Mentor's Gift

One aspect of the power of a mentor's gift is the ability to inspire and motivate others to pursue a deeper relationship with God. In the case of Elijah and Elisha, we see how Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit was driven by his desire to carry on the work of his mentor and to be an even more effective servant of God. This demonstrates the power of a mentor's influence in shaping the spiritual aspirations and goals of their mentees.

Another aspect is the impartation of wisdom and knowledge. Mentors are often individuals who have walked with God for many years and have gained valuable insights and experiences that can be passed on to their mentees. In the case of Elijah and Elisha, we see how Elijah's wisdom and understanding of God's ways were instrumental in preparing Elisha for the challenges and responsibilities that lay ahead of him. By imparting his wisdom and knowledge to Elisha, Elijah was equipping his mentee with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of life and ministry.

As John C. Maxwell aptly stated, mentors have the unique ability to see ahead and help others navigate their course to their destination. In the story of Elijah and Elisha, we see how Elijah's guidance and direction were crucial in helping Elisha understand and fulfill his calling as a prophet of God. By walking alongside Elisha and providing him with the necessary guidance and direction, Elijah played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Elisha's life and ministry.

Moreover, the power of a mentor's gift is evident in the cultivation of character and integrity. Mentors often serve as role models for their mentees, demonstrating the importance of living a life of integrity and godly character. In the story of Elijah and Elisha, we see how Elijah's unwavering commitment to God and his steadfastness in the face of adversity served as an example for Elisha to emulate. By observing and learning from his mentor's character, Elisha was better equipped to face the challenges that would come his way as he stepped into his calling as a prophet.

Mentors often play a crucial role in identifying, nurturing, and developing the spiritual gifts and abilities of their mentees. In the case of Elijah and Elisha, we see how Elijah's mentorship and guidance helped Elisha grow in his prophetic gifting and ultimately prepared him to step into his role as a prophet of God. By investing in the development of Elisha's spiritual gifts and abilities, Elijah was ensuring that the work of God would continue to flourish even after his departure.

The Blessing of Equipping Others

The blessing of equipping others is the process of imparting wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual gifts to others, empowering them to grow in their relationship with God and to fulfill their God-given purpose ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO