So he departed from
there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of
oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and
threw his mantle on him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said,
“Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” I
Kings 19:15, 16, 19-21
Six verses in the Bible transform the lives of two men.
Before these verses, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal and won a mighty
victory for God. He then heard threats on his life from Jezebel and ran. Angels
ministered to him along the way. God met him at Horeb, the mountain of God and
spoke to him in a still, small voice. Scores of sermons have used this passage
for messages dealing with depression, listening for God’s voice, and not
burning out while in God’s service. But what happened next?
God delivered specific instructions to Elijah: anoint a new
king of Syria and Israel and anoint Elisha prophet in his place. Elijah found
Elisha plowing with a yoke of oxen on a large farming operation evidenced by
the twelve yoke of oxen. Elijah stopped, tossed his mantle on Elijah and walked
away.
We read that Elisha ran after him, knowing what that gesture meant.
Matthew Henry’s commentary says “Elijah did but cast his
mantle upon him. (v. 19), in token of friendship, that he would take him under
his care and tuition as he did under his mantle, and to be one with him in the
same clothes, or in token of his being clothed with the spirit of Elijah”
Scripture reveals that Elisha took a moment to count the
cost, said goodbye to his family and made sure they were taken care of before
joining Elijah.
God will often call us when we least expect it to join Him
in ministry, whether to teach Sunday school, volunteer for a charitable
organization, or even open our home to a foster child. As demonstrated by
Elisha, it’s okay to ask questions, count the cost, and make sure our family is
provided for as we make a decision. We need to open to God’s will and way even
when it interrupts our schedule. A whispered “yes” can transform your life in
ways you’ve never thought possible.
Father God, help me to
always be open to your call. Give me the courage to say “yes.” In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment