Bible Studies for Life: April 27

God’s Hand in Calling Us to Serve • 1 Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:7-15

By Clay Anthony

In a world complete with instant communication, it is difficult for us to fathom failing to get into touch with someone. Either by text, calling or emails, we have unprecedented access to other people. Imagine a scenario where you leave your home only to discover that you have left your phone behind and you do not turn around to retrieve it. We are so connected today that we know within seconds how we will respond to any inquiry we receive. 

Imagine life without any such connection. How do you know what to pick up from the store? How would you know where your children are? How can you check for texts, calls and emails? For our point here, how can we know what God expects from us? Phones are good for the former, yet in the Old Testament, only a prophet could fill the void for the latter. 

Elijah had completed years of service of being a spokesperson for God. He had faced down evil leaders, performed miracles and defeated prophets of false gods. The sun was setting on his ministry and a new prophet was needed to speak for God. Remember, emailing and texting is not an option. So how is such a search conducted and what response does such an invitation require? 

The two books of Kings tell of how God dealt with His prophets and people of old. As Elijah was passing from the scene, God lead the search for his replacement to a young farm boy named Elisha. This young man was minding his own business while plowing a field when Elijah tosses his garment on him (19). What seems odd to us is a symbolic way of one prophet passing the mantel onto the next in line. Physically, Elijah is telling others to listen to Elisha from now on. 

Note the response from Elisha: he says farewell to family, slaughters his livestock and burns his plow. Is this a harsh response? No, Elisha wants a watching world to see that he is all-in on this transaction. From this day forward, he is no longer a plowboy, he is a prophet. Jesus made such actions a requirement to following Him in Luke 9:62. Nothing less than total commitment is acceptable when following God. 

Once total submission is achieved, God fully supplies His workers for the task at hand. Elijah had accomplished many renowned acts for God. Elisha knew this and understood that if he were to take on this new role, he too needed the power of God as it worked in Elijah. Personally, I have also viewed God’s call on someone’s life to be a process of listening, praying and affirmation from those wiser. Reading 2 Kings 2:7-11, we find such a process where Elijah takes a farewell tour among the prophets of God with Elisha following close behind. 

This young man knew that he was next in line and desired the same closeness to and power from God. Deuteronomy 21:17 teaches that the first born of any family receives a double portion of the father’s possessions. Elisha requests this double portion of Elijah. Not a double portion from Elijah mind you but a double portion of God’s power to complete his role of prophet. Anyone leaning into a call from God would be wise to seek such power.

Famously, Elijah was taken away by chariots of fire leaving Elisha alone. What evidence was left to prove that indeed God’s calling was on this young man’s life? Yes, Elijah had thrown his cloak onto him, but was there evidence that God was now supplying His power to this prophet? 2 Kings 2:7-12 tells of a riverbed that Elijah had dried up for crossing being left open and dry. Upon his departure, Elisha took his same cloak and reversed the miracle. As the waters closed back together, everyone witnessing this would have known immediately that God’s new prophet had arrived. This is what our world is watching for: God called persons that leave everything behind, who rely solely on God’s power, to see the gospel go forth. 

What is it that you, like Elisha or the disciples with their money tables or fishing nets, need to set aside to follow God’s call in your life? Recall Hebrews 12:1-2:

Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.

Anthony is Missions Pastor at Harrisburg Church, Tupelo.