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104
Royalty and Ruin
for Christ is working for God just as surely as is the minister in the
pulpit.
Many long for special talent with which to do a wonderful work,
while they lose sight of duties close at hand. Let them take up the
duties lying directly in their pathway. It is not splendid talents that
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enable us to give acceptable service, but the conscientious perfor-
mance of daily duties, the contented spirit, the sincere interest in
others. The most common tasks, done with loving faithfulness, are
beautiful in God’s sight.
As Elijah passed the field in which Elisha was plowing, he put
his own cloak on the young man’s shoulders in consecration. During
the famine the family of Shaphat had become familiar with the work
and mission of Elijah, and now the Spirit of God impressed Elisha
that God had called him to be Elijah’s successor.
“And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, ‘Please let
me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.’” “Go
back again,” was Elijah’s answer, “for what have I done to you?”
1
Kings 19:20
. This was not a repulse, but a test of faith. Elisha must
count the cost—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, and he did not
hesitate to obey. Not for any worldly advantage would he pass up
the opportunity to become God’s messenger or sacrifice the privi-
lege of associating with His servant. He “took a yoke of oxen and
slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment,
and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed
Elijah, and became his servant.”
1 Kings 19:21
. Without hesitation
he left a home where he was loved, to minister to the prophet in his
uncertain life.
A Young Man Who Rejected Christ’s Call to Service
Similar to the call that came to Elisha was the answer Christ
gave to the young ruler who asked Him, “What good thing shall I
do that I may have eternal life?” “If you want to be perfect,” Christ
replied, “go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will
have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
Matthew 19:16, 21
.