For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Donald Woody
The most significant distinction of the prophet Elisha the man and his ministry is his immense focus on humanity, love, forgiveness and just doing good for the sake of doing good. His ministry is striking in that it is radically in contrast to that of his mentor Elijah.
Elijah's ministry is marked by fire an brimstone instant judgements and instant wrath from God. Elisha on the other hand is just the opposite His miracles invokes love, care and concern for the man and his weaknesses while not looking the other way addresses sin and weakness with forgiveness and help in overcoming them without the penalty of instant judgement. Elisha is a type and shadow of the coming and future ministry of Christ Himself and reading about him in the Book of the Kings and Chronicles can only bring forth great admiration for this warm loving and kind man of God.
The significance of his ministry has a direct implication to how God/Christ really prefers to deal with man and our sinful nature -- love and forgiveness! If I should be so fortunate to make it to heaven as soon as I meet the Lord Elisha is second on my list!