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The Work Lying Nearest, August 2
1 Kings 19:19-21
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.
Luke 16:10
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God had bidden Elijah anoint another to be prophet in his stead. “Elisha the
son of Shaphat ... shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room,” He had said; and
in obedience to the command, Elijah went to find Elisha....
Elisha’s father was a wealthy farmer, a man whose household were among
the number that in a time of almost universal apostasy had not bowed the knee
to Baal. Theirs was a home where God was honored and where allegiance to the
faith of ancient Israel was the rule of daily life. In such surroundings the early
years of Elisha were passed. In the quietude of country life, under the teaching
of God and nature and the discipline of useful work, he received the training in
habits of simplicity and of obedience to his parents and to God that helped to fit
him for the high position he was afterward to occupy.
The prophetic call came to Elisha while, with his father’s servants, he was
plowing in the field. He had taken up the work that lay nearest. He possessed
both the capabilities of a leader among men and the meekness of one who
is ready to serve. Of a quiet and gentle spirit, he was nevertheless energetic
and steadfast. Integrity, fidelity, and the love and fear of God were his, and in
the humble round of daily toil he gained strength of purpose and nobleness of
character, constantly increasing in grace and knowledge. While co-operating
with his father in the home-life duties, he was learning to co-operate with God.
By faithfulness in little things, Elisha was preparing for weightier trusts. Day
by day, through practical experience, he gained a fitness for a broader, higher
work.... None can know what may be God’s purpose in His discipline; but all
may be certain that faithfulness in little things is the evidence of fitness for
greater responsibilities. Every act of life is a revelation of character, and he only
who in small duties proves himself “a workman that needeth not to be ashamed”
can be honored by God with higher service
[221]
2
Ibid., 217, 218
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