There are quite a few prophets mentioned in the Bible, and so it may not be prudent to pick a favorite one. In the scriptures, the prophets speak on God’s behalf. Their words place the people on the right (righteous) path. The words spoken by the prophets correct or comfort, depending on what is most needed at the time. Through the words and the actions of the prophets, God has been known to communicate with human beings.

When the great prophet Elijah was taken up to be with God, it fell to a man of God named Elisha to continue the prophetic work. Pretty soon he was speaking to kings, healing, working miracles, all on God’s behalf. Elisha’s story is told in detail in II Kings. But there is one instance early in his ministry that has gained him a vote as my favorite prophet.

He went up from there to Bethel; and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go away, baldhead! Go away, baldhead!” When he turned around and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and then returned to Samaria.
II Kings 2:23-25

This really is a story from the Bible. Read it to make sure that I didn’t make this up. And while you’re in II Kings – read on.

Prayer

Dear God, thanks for speaking to us individually through the words of the prophets. Amen.