Elijah Smites the River Jordan, by Robert T. Barrett
2 Kings 2–7: Lesson 83
2 Kings 2–4
The Lord Gives Elisha Power and Authority
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Have you ever received a calling to serve? When we accept callings, we receive the Lord’s authority to serve. As we strive to serve and become like Him, He blesses us with His power. The account of the Lord granting power and authority to the prophet Elisha after Elijah’s ascension into heaven beautifully illustrates this truth. This lesson can help you understand that the Lord empowers and authorizes those whom He calls to serve.
Study the Scriptures
Look at the images of the doctor and President Russell M. Nelson. Ponder the following questions:
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What are some of this person’s responsibilities?
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Who gave them authority to fulfill their role?
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What gives you confidence to trust them?
Think about the following questions. As you consider your answers, listen for impressions from the Holy Ghost about what the Lord wants you to understand about serving with the Lord’s power and authority in callings.
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What do I understand about receiving the Lord’s power and authority to serve in callings?
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How could this understanding influence how I respond when I or someone else receives a calling from the Lord?
Elisha had an experience during which he learned that the Lord gives authority and power to people whom He calls. As you study, look for evidence of this truth.
The Lord revealed to Elijah that Elisha would become a prophet (see 1 Kings 19:16, 19). Elisha knew that the Lord would soon take Elijah away (see 2 Kings 2:1–3). On Elijah’s final day, Elisha followed Elijah from city to city until the two arrived at the Jordan River.
Read 2 Kings 2:8–15. Draw three or four simple pictures of what happened in the verses. For example, the picture you draw for verses 8–9 could look like the following drawing:
Context. The word mantle means cloak. The mantle used by Elijah and Elisha did not give them power and authority, but it represented God’s power and authority. In the Church today, we sometimes refer to someone’s calling or authority as their “mantle.” For example, when a new prophet is sustained as President of the Church, he receives the mantle of authority.
Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.
Option A
What does it mean to serve with God’s power and authority?
Under Christ’s direction, priesthood authority was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. When you are set apart for a calling, you operate with priesthood authority. Beyond authority, spiritual power is essential to fulfill your calling. God grants His power to ”all members of the Church—female and male—as they keep the covenants they have made with Him” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3.5, Gospel Library). It is bestowed as you strive to keep His commandments and honor the covenants you’ve made.
Sister Jean B. Bingham, then Relief Society General President, taught:
Although women are not ordained to a priesthood office, … women are blessed with priesthood power as they keep their covenants, and they operate with priesthood authority when they are set apart to a calling. (“United in Accomplishing God’s Work” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 60–63)
If available, watch “Jesus Calls Twelve Apostles to Preach and Bless Others” (1:38). Think about how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ manifest Their love by giving Their authority and power to Their servants on earth.
In your notebook, respond to the following questions:
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Consider the following truth: the Lord gives authority and power to people whom He calls. Why might this truth be helpful to remember when you receive a calling?
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Why might the truth be helpful to remember when you sustain others who receive callings?
Option B
How can I have faith in the Lord’s prophet?
The Lord gives His chosen prophets power and authority to fulfill His purposes. As you exercise faith by following the Lord’s prophets, you can receive a witness of their calling.
2 Kings 4:1–7 is an example of a widow who exercised faith and how the prophet Elisha helped save her family.
Read 2 Kings 4:1–7. Mark in one color what Elisha’s instructions were. Mark in another color how the widow acted in faith. Consider what you can learn about the Lord from the blessing the woman received.
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
You may not always understand every declaration of a living prophet. But when you know a prophet is a prophet, you can approach the Lord in humility and faith and ask for your own witness about whatever His prophet has proclaimed. (“Stand as True Millennials,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2016, 53)
Now What?
Choose one of the following situations. Write a brief note sharing what you think Elisha would want this individual to know. In your response, include scriptures, statements from Church leaders, or insights you received from the Spirit as you studied the story of Elisha’s call to serve.
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A young man or young woman is called to serve as the president of their quorum or class. They do not feel they know enough to fulfill this calling well.
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A missionary is called to serve in a country where the people speak a different language. They are concerned about how effective they will really be in sharing the gospel.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you understand that the Lord empowers and authorizes those whom He calls to serve.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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The drawing from your study of the verses.
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The note you wrote from the Now What? section.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?