ELISHA SERIES: CHOSEN AS A SUCCESSOR

Elisha is introduced to readers in 1 Kings 19. In this chapter, we read Elijah and Elisha’s initial meeting after God had instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha, the son of Shaphat, whose name means “My God is salvation,” to be his successor.

Having received his instruction Elijah went to the Jordan valley, where he found Elisha in his field plowing behind twelve oxen and passing by him Elijah cast his mantel on him. Knowing what that meant, Elisha requested permission to say farewell to his parents before accompanying Elijah. Hence Elisha returned home, gave his farewells, slew and cooked two of his oxen, and gave the meat to the people. After which, he reconnected with Elijah and became his attendant.

Here are some nuggets that I obtained from this chapter: 

When God gives specific instructions, don’t delay in following them. Elijah did not hesitate in obeying God.

Elisha was not seeking promotion or a position; God chose him to be Elijah’s successor in Israel. God does have an assignment for each of us.

Elisha was not an idle man; Elijah found him working. God is known for using the industrious. God promotes busy people.

Throwing one’s cloak on another represented a symbolic invitation to discipleship.

Having twelve yokes of oxen reveals Elisha came from a wealthy family; however, he was willing to give it up to do God’s bidding. Without knowing the details of his future assignment, Elisha left his husbandry.

Elisha showed his knowledge of authority when he requested permission from Elijah to go and tell his parents he was leaving them.

There is a proper way to leave home. Loving and respecting his parents, Elisha informs them of his departure.

Resolved to follow Elijah, Elisha takes the plowing instruments and uses them for fuel to cook two of his oxen which he gives to the town people as a celebratory farewell meal. For you to move on may require getting rid of personal equipment. If you burn it as Elisha did, you can’t go back and retrieve it.

Before fully embracing the role of a prophet Elisha submitted himself to another. Commentaries believe Elisha served Elijah for approximately ten years; during this time, he probably learned valuable lessons. God allowed Elisha to receive training before actually stepping into the position of a prophet. God prepares men for their assignments.

Elisha accepted his assignment without questioning the particulars. To serve requires self-denial. Elisha gave up his life to serve Elijah.

Finally, you must leave the past to go into the future; you must leave the familiar to go into the unknown and must leave the old to go into the new.