The call of Elisha!

Elisha set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant. 1 Kings 19 : 21

Good morning to you all. Let us meditate on Elisha for a few days just as we already meditated on his master Elijah.

Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother good-bye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”  So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.

The above are just three verses 1 Kings 19 : 19 – 21. But they convey a lot to us. Let us see one by one. If any of you has any other point, kindly do send it to me to my inbox or drop your comments here, so that I can post them along with tomorrow’s message.

One:     Elisha means "God is Savior". This great man carried a wonderful gospel even in his name. Carry the gospel wherever you’re.

Two:    Elisha’s call was initiated by God Himself. Now-a-days many people, who run for ministry without God’s calling, fail terribly. So your ministry should be initiated by God and God alone.

Three:   Elisha was not reading any Book of Bible, but he was plowing the field. The world may look for external appearances or the talents you have. But the Lord looks at your heart. If you’re humble enough and sincere and dedicated in your heart, you’ll never miss the notice of God and remember He’ll definitely honor you, though you’re not very special. I remember this one, which I love most. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Are you humble enough to work for God? But are you depressed that you’re not fit for the call? Don’t be worried. Just remind yourself of Elisha and his call.

Four:    Though Elisha was not expecting this great call at anytime, he was so quick to respond to the call. He knew that delayed obedience is disobedience.

 

Five:     Elijah didn’t force Elisha; as he was very well aware that as it was initiated by God, He would make Elisha accept the call. And that’s why when Elisha asked time to say good bye to his family, Elijah didn’t deny it. When God has called you for greater purpose, believe that He would never let you go out of that purpose.

Six:       This new servant knew that the worldly pleasures such as family should not disturb his ministry. He wanted to stay away from home and natural ties. He knew very well that no one can serve two masters. He was clear cut in God’s call. He was such a sincere man who wanted to engage himself in such a wonderful service to God. Though he was warmly attached to his family, the call to serve was much more important for him than his family and own desires. God’s ministry deserves the highest priority.

Seven:  He didn’t run away to say good bye to his family. Instead he asked prior permission to his master, Elijah. Such a humble spirit he had. When you’re into ministry, obey your master whom the Lord has appointed. You should have a humble spirit when you serve God.

Eight:    Elijah had more and more enemies. King Ahab and Jezebel were the prime enemies who disliked Elijah. But Elisha had no fear in following Elijah. He didn’t look upon the hindrances to his ministry; rather he focused so much on God’s call. Are you into ministry? Are you too much disturbed because of the troubles or barriers you see today? Please stop doing it. The God who has called you for His greater purpose will take care of you and all the barriers you see today will be vanished just like the snow vanishes when the sun rises.

Nine:    Finally, Elisha never felt sad to leave all the properties and the blessings from his father. He valued God’s call more than anything in the world. This clearly shows that he knew very well that he would not lose anything when he loses it for Christ. Remember we are co-heirs with Christ. We’ll inherit whatever the Lord has. Value God’s call more than anything in the world.