Page 48 - Divinity_F5

Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

Who were Elijah and Elisha? (1 Kings with unpleasant issues in life without fear
17:21 – 2 Kings 13:1) of their pains or effects. Biblically, God
Elijah and Elisha were the prophets of commanded those whom he appointed
Yahweh, known as the earlier Prophets. leaders of Israel, Moses, Joshua,
The earlier prophets are the Prophets Judges and Kings not to fear anybody
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who existed in the historical books of and anything; that is why Moses faced
Judges, 1&2 Samuel and 1&2 Kings. Pharaoh courageously (Deut. 31:6; Josh.
God called Elijah and Elisha to send His 1:5-6). In this sense, faith drives courage
message to His people, the Israelites, as faith believes God’s promises that
especially when the monarchy went encourage us. In Deut. 31:6, God ordered
against God and made God similar to Moses, and Moses repeated the words to
non-living gods like Baals. Elijah was a Joshua (verse 7) about not being afraid
strong character and one of the greatest or terrified of enemies, for “the Lord
Prophets like Moses. He never died and your God who goes with you; he will not
is thought to come before the Messiah’s fail you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6).
second coming. Figure 3.1 is illustrative.
The spiritual concept of courage
Physical courage makes one ready to
overcome their physical enemies; but
spiritual courage makes one able to face
spiritual (challenges) through faith in
Jesus Christ. Courage is the strength
to meet spiritual (challenges) and
internal resistance like in the words of
Jesus “then they will deliver you up to
tribulation, and put you to death; and
you will be hated by all nations for my
name’s sake; and…he who endure to the
end will be saved” (Matt. 24:9-13).

King Ahab of Israel and the Courageous
Elijah
Figure 3.1: Prophets Elijah and Elisha sharing The name Elijah bears his work, “The
an idea Lord is my God.” He was from Tishbite
of Tishbe in Gilead, a zealous man and
The general concept of courage a champion of honouring God, justice
The word courage means boldness of and true worship in Yahweh. He saved
mind, soul and body to deal effectively the faith worthily and was called by God

Form Five Student’s Book 39