Prophetic Authority and the Ministry of Elisha

A group of prophets are building a larger meeting place. As one of them cuts down a tree, the iron axhead he is using falls into the water and sinks out of sight. In distress because the axhead was borrowed, he calls on Elisha to help him restore it. (2 Kings 6:1-6)

Here we have an entire company of prophets – and yet when a situation occurs that requires a miracle, only oneprophet—Elisha, known as ‘the man of God’—has the authority to overcome the laws of nature and cause the iron axhead to float.

A similar thing takes place in 2 Kings 4:38-41, during a gathering of the prophets. There is a crisis in the kitchen and they are faced with a poison stew. Again, amongst the entire group of prophets, it is only Elisha who has the spiritual authority to cause a miracle to take place.

I believe that the call of God is going out at this time: ‘Will you be one of the many, or one of the few?’

Many can bring prophetic encouragement; only a few have the capacity and level of spiritual authority to walk into situations and bring death to life. Only a few can cause a miracle to take place by the word of their mouth or through a prophetic act.

In our day we will see ‘the few’ become many prophetic sons and daughters who carry spiritual authority for miracles and breakthrough.

Keys to Increasing Your Prophetic Authority

If you are called to prophetic ministry or office, the above scenario will be most applicable to you. However, I believe God is calling all of us who have a prophetic gift to grow further in the anointing He has for us.

Wherever we go in our daily lives there are people who need a breakthrough miracle, and Jesus is inviting us to partner with Him in His Kingdom authority. With that in mind, following are 5 keys from the life of Elisha on how to grow in your prophetic authority.

1. Know God Through Intimate Relationship and Know His Word

Among the prophets, Elisha was known as ‘the man of God.’ He was known for both his intimacy and authority.

‘Those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits.’ (Dan 11:32b)

Develop your intimate relationship with God. This includes knowing Him through His Word, having a thorough knowledge of the Bible and standing by its authority without compromise.

2. Find Someone to Serve

Elisha spent years serving as Elijah’s attendant. Some of the tasks he was required to do during this apprenticeship were menial. (2 King 3:11b) But all the while, he was observing, learning and being infused with the faith and spiritual authority that were on Elijah’s life.

Start where God has placed you. Your ‘Elijah’ does not have to be a prophet—it may be the pastor of your local church. Be faithful and let God move you forward in your gift. If you are a ministry leader or senior pastor, find a godly Apostolic leader to relate to.

As Prophet David McCracken often says, ‘the authority you are under determines the authority you carry.’ He calls it the Centurion principle. (Matt 8:5-13)

3. Step out of Your Comfort Zone

Elisha went further than other prophets of his time in his quest to follow God’s call on his life.

This is clearly seen in his pursuit of Elijah at the time God was calling his master to Heaven. A group of fifty prophets stopped short at Jericho, whilst Elisha pursued Elijah past the point of no return. The Jordan waters miraculously parted for Elijah and still Elisha followed. He knew that his destiny was up ahead. (2 Kings 2)

The increased prophetic authority that God has for you is beyond the comfort zone of your history and past experience.

4. Learn how to Release the Power of God

Elisha understood his God-given authority and was able to release the power of God into situations through a bold word or prophetic act, as the Holy Spirit led him.

Likewise, we need to understand that we have stewardship of God’s power.

Learn the dynamics between the prophetic ‘now’ word of God and releasing God’s power. Speak life-giving words and expect those anointed words to shift atmospheres and circumstances.

5. Be Willing to Empower Others on the Journey

In our opening story, Elisha was leading a company of prophets. This and other incidents were a training ground and a demonstration to them.

Elisha was not holding his knowledge to himself; he demonstrated to others what could be possible. He gave of his time and resources to bring up the next prophetic generation.

The prophetic gift, along with the wisdom and faith of its operation, is not for us to hold onto. It is not an exclusive gift or ministry.

Like Elijah and Elisha did, be willing to encourage and empower others in their gifts and ministry and your fruitfulness will be multiplied many times over.