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Prophets and Kings
prophet’s act. To him it was the signal that God had called him to be
the successor of Elijah.
“And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I
pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee.”
“Go back again,” was Elijah’s answer, “for what have I done to thee?”
This was not a repulse, but a test of faith. Elisha must count the cost—
decide for himself to accept or reject the call. If his desires clung to
his home and its advantages, he was at liberty to remain there. But
Elisha understood the meaning of the call. He knew it was from God,
and he did not hesitate to obey. Not for any worldly advantage would
he forgo the opportunity of becoming God’s messenger or sacrifice
the privilege of association with His servant. He “took a yoke of oxen,
and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen,
and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went
after Elijah, and ministered unto him.”
1 Kings 19:20, 21
. Without
hesitation he left a home where he was beloved, to attend the prophet
in his uncertain life.
Had Elisha asked Elijah what was expected of him,—what would
be his work,—he would have been answered: God knows; He will
make it known to you. If you wait upon the Lord, He will answer your
every question. You may come with me if you have evidence that God
has called you. Know for yourself that God stands back of me, and
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that it is His voice you hear. If you can count everything but dross that
you may win the favor of God, come.
Similar to the call that came to Elisha was the answer given by
Christ to the young ruler who asked Him the question, “What good
thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” “If thou wilt be perfect,”
Christ replied, “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and
thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.”
Matthew
19:16, 21
.
Elisha accepted the call to service, casting no backward glance at
the pleasures and comforts he was leaving. The young ruler, when he
heard the Saviour’s words, “went away sorrowful: for he had great
possessions.”
Verse 22
. He was not willing to make the sacrifice. His
love for his possessions was greater than his love for God. By his
refusal to renounce all for Christ, he proved himself unworthy of a
place in the Master’s service.