Wingman

Today my brother, Ken, and I are good friends. When we were growing up, we were nearly inseparable. In many ways, we were—and still are—as different as night and day, but as little children, we did everything together. For many years, our parents had a photograph hanging in their home that my dad took of Ken and me, sticking our heads out of a ship’s porthole—a ship headed to the mission field. Our arms are wrapped around each other’s neck, and the expression on our faces clearly underscores the special friendship we enjoyed.

Once, when we were little boys, we found a dead bird. We gently placed the bird on a windowsill, knelt down, and prayed for God to bring it to life. I don’t recall being disappointed that the bird lay there motionless. Knowing Ken, he probably turned the disappointment into a lesson on God’s sovereignty.

Elijah and Elisha had this same kind of friendship. I’ve often wondered if perhaps people getting their names confused had any impact on their relationship—like parents who give all all their children names beginning with the same later.

Regardless of how it came to be, these two men were pivotal in one another’s lives.

For a moment, let’s remember what Elijah and Elisha did for a living. As prophets, their jobs essentially consisted of two things: living lives worth examining and telling people of God’s judgment and grace. In today’s nomenclature, Elijah and Elisha were just like men who are brothers in Christ.

In 2012, my wife, Bobbie, was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. At the time my pastor, David Swanson, promised to be my friend through the adventure. Borrowing a military word, he referred to himself as my “wingman.” And as Bobbie and her primary caregiver experienced the trials ahead, including her death in 2014, my wingman was faithful. Flawlessly.

Do you have a Christian brother? Is there someone who, along with you, is committed to living a life of obedience to God’s Word? Do you have a friend who readily and naturally reminds others of their need for God’s grace? If you have such a brother of your soul, then you know exactly why Elijah and Elisha were so close. You are also fortunate.

Several days ago, when we learned of Rehoboam’s lack of sound accountability, we were challenged to find a mentor—an elder in the faith—who was willing to give us good advice. If you don’t already have one, your task today is to find a Christian brother—a wingman—someone who knows you and (still) loves you. A man who will refuse to leave your side, no matter what.

And once you’ve found such a friend, be sure each member of your family has an Elisha. Show them, by your example, how important, refreshing, and healthy a deep, Christian friendship can be.