Elisha had inherited a double portion of the spirit of Elijah (II Kings 2:9-12), and had became the acknowledged leader of the company of prophets in Israel and Judah (2:15). Yet even with his double portion, his ministry was never as spectacular as Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Many of his recorded acts seem to have been quiet miracles for individuals, families, or small groups of people.

Thus he blessed a widow and her two sons with a flask that continued to flow with oil until many many jars were filled, to pay off her debt and save her sons from slavery (4:1-7). Again, he promised a son to the Shunammite woman, and prayed for the restoration of this son when he had apparently died (4:8-37). In the midst of famine he restored a kettle of soup that contained poisoned gourds, and blessed twenty barley loaves to feed a hundred people (4:38-44).

We all like the big demonstrative expressions of God’s power, especially when it leads to the destruction of our enemies: like Moses parting the sea (and the Egyptian army drowning), or fire falling from heaven for Elijah’s offering (followed by the death of the prophets of Baal).

Yet much of the work we are given is small, quiet, and behind the scenes, with the goal of helping those in need. Feeding the hungry, praying for the sick, helping someone find a way to pay the bills: these are also part of the ministry of the kingdom, and even though they are not as flashy as a spectacular miracle that impresses thousands of people, they are the everyday work of the kingdom of God.

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Teach us to serve you, O Lord, in the quiet steady ministries of compassion and care for people in need. Teach us to make a difference for your kingdom by caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, blessing the children.