Lives of Great Men
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with his father in the home duties, he was learning to co-operate with
God.
The prophetic call came to Elisha while with his father’s servants
he was plowing in the field. As Elijah, divinely directed in seeking
a successor, cast his mantle upon the young man’s shoulders, Elisha
recognized and obeyed the summons. He “went after Elijah, and
ministered unto him.”
1 Kings 19:21
. It was no great work that was
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at first required of Elisha; commonplace duties still constituted his
discipline. He is spoken of as pouring water on the hands of Elijah,
his master. As the prophet’s personal attendant, he continued to prove
faithful in little things, while with daily strengthening purpose he
devoted himself to the mission appointed him by God.
When he was first summoned, his resolution had been tested. As he
turned to follow Elijah he was bidden by the prophet to return home.
He must count the cost—decide for himself to accept or reject the
call. But Elisha understood the value of his opportunity. Not for any
worldly advantage would he forgo the possibility of becoming God’s
messenger, or sacrifice the privilege of association with His servant.
As time passed, and Elijah was prepared for translation, so Elisha
was prepared to become his successor. And again his faith and res-
olution were tested. Accompanying Elijah in his round of service,
knowing the change soon to come, he was at each place invited by
the prophet to turn back. “Tarry here, I pray thee,” Elijah said; “for
the Lord hath sent me to Bethel.” But in his early labor of guiding the
plow, Elisha had learned not to fail or to become discouraged; and
now that he had set his hand to the plow in another line of duty, he
would not be diverted from his purpose. As often as the invitation to
turn back was given, his answer was, “As the Lord liveth, and as thy
soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”
2 Kings 2:2
.
“And they two went on.... And they two stood by Jordan. And
Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters,
and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over
on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that
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Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken
away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion
of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing:
nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so
unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. And it came to pass, as they