There is a interesting record in 2 Kings 2. It recounts Elijah coming to the end of the ministry. 50 years he served Israel, fighting idolatry of its kings and calling people back to God.
God in His faithfulness sent a replacement. An energetic youth named Elisha who willingly left all to follow the leading of the Lord.
Three times Elijah told Elisha to wait. In Bethel, Jericho and Jordan. But Elisha stayed right with him saying, “As the Lord liveth, and as my soul liveth I will not leave thee.”
When he answered Elisha, who would it have been hard for? Was he referring to the difficulties Elisha would have to go through watching him leave? Or the solitary life he would live once Elijah was gone? Whatever he meant did not dissuade Elisha.
They were yet walking up the road talking when the chariot and horse of fire had to separate them. Elisha perhaps thrown to the ground in the wake of the whirlwind gazing after him, and then saw him no more.
His mentor, his teacher, his spiritual father was no longer with him. Surely the feeling of brevity washed over him. He’d witnessed what no other man alive had witnessed, yet he was alone. Broken, he tore his clothing as a sign of mourning.
At what point did he remember the prophet promise? Getting to his feet he gathered the mantle that fell from Elijah, went back to the river and smote the waters and said, “Where is the God of Elijah?” The waters parted. The God of Elijah was now working through Elisha.
I can’t imagine how he felt at such a phenomenal occurrence.
Elisha was a farmer and his calling came as he plowed his field. He butchered his oxen and used his plow as firewood to cook them (Elijah and himself) a feast. He said to his father farewell and left to serve Elijah who served the Living God.
No fanfare, no fuss.
Elisha was first mention in 1 Kings 19 and wasn’t mentioned again until 2 Kings 2.
How often do people weary of the wait or the fight! The invisible existence of a steward of God subsides being chipped away as pride comes alive.
Well-wishers want to advise without wisdom. Gain-sayers move you from your conviction because it doesn’t take “All That” just before the blessings come.
God won’t empower us if we are out of place. If you are subject to change God can’t trust you.
Christ said, “Upon this rock I will build My church.” He is the rock of Our salvation. The Gates of hell will not prevail neither will it be moved. We don’t have to move. I Corinthians 15:58 states: …be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.