Reading Portion: 1 Kings 19:19-21
The greatest joy for a person is when they find a person to carry on the flame, they were holding. In other words, we can say, a person is happy when he finds the right successor.
And Elijah departed from there and found Elisha. Elisha means “my GOD is salvation”. When Elijah saw Elisha, he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. This shows his willingness to bear the burden with others. He was a wealthy man, but his heart was open to help others. What Elijah needed at that moment, was a man to share his burden, a person who was ready to help without any hesitation.
“Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah.”
Elijah initiated a step, in winning Elisha. He went to Elisha and threw his cloak around him. Elisha may have wondered when a prophet like Elijah came to him and did an act like this. But when the cloak came upon him, he left everything and went after Elijah. The mantle of Elijah upon Elisha was a message to Elisha to follow him, and later to become his successor. It was a call to be humble and to give up his plans and desires for the plans of his master, Elijah. It was a call to bring glory to GOD rather than investing more into one’s own kingdom.
“Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” “Go back,” Elijah replied. “What have I done to you?”
Elisha’s parents were not a hindrance for him, when he stepped into the ministry. By his actions, Elisha proved that he was withdrawing himself from what he was doing then, and he was stepping into something new. His actions proved a verse, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” The race ahead of him was to be the servant of Elijah, and later to be the prophet of Israel. He cut loose every tie that held him back and took a step moving forward.
Everyone likes to get appointed by GOD for the ministry, but remember, we all have to pay a price for the appointment. You may have plans, desires and dreams about your future, but when GOD’s appointment comes upon you, be ready to submit yourself and move according to His will. Elisha became a support to Elijah who lacked motivation to move on, when he was depressed. GOD will bring in people at the right time to motivate us, so that we will bring glory to His name.
The appointment season gives us motivators who will help us to forget the hurts of the past and to be productive for GOD. Keep praying, GOD will bring the right people into your life.
