Day 5: The Companion

“…and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet”

1 Kings 19: 16 (NLT)

Elijah was lonely. In response, God tells him to anoint Elisha. For the next 6-8 years, Elisha was Elijah’s assistant and companion, observing the main prophet’s daily work to prepare for his own tenure under God’s command. The two men were extremely close: when Elijah is finally swept away to heaven after his job is finished, Elisha weeps and tears his clothes (2 Kings 2:12). They were more than labourer and assistant. In Elisha, Elijah had found a friend.

God is clear in how much he values relationships, not just between himself and humankind, but between humans too. In Eden, he declared that it was not good for Adam to be alone (Genesis 2:18), when Jesus did his work on earth, he chose twelve other people to accompany him (Luke 6:12-16). Even God himself works in a three: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all work together to form the Godhead. He wanted this relationship realised in Elijah’s life. Ministry is hard work alone; with a companion, it is enriching for everyone involved.

They say that no man is an island, and in Elijah’s case, we see the impact that loneliness had on his life. Are you used to doing things by yourself? Do you avoid forming close relationships with people? Here is the Bible’s response to that:

“9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:19-12)

Every successful business, social enterprise or project has a dedicated team of like-minded people behind it. It helps to alleviate stress and it shares the burden of work. Our daily lives are the same: without companions, life is tiresome and exhausting. God is more than happy to provide a companion if you need one: he himself says that two is better than one! He wants you have share healthy relationships with others. It’s all part of having a holistic, fulfilled life.