Focal passage: I Kings 19:19-21; II Kings 2:7-15
I’m very excited about the next five weeks of studies entitled Elisha: Seeing God’s Hand at Work. Elisha is one of my favorite Old Testament characters; I love his life stories! Plus, since retiring as a pastor twenty years ago, I’ve been serving churches in transition (when they’re in between pastors). So apparently I also love transitions; and the Elijah/Elisha saga begins with some very dramatic scenes of transition!
In today’s lesson, God’s Hand in Calling Us to Serve, our focal passage is I Kings 19:19-21 and II Kings 2:7-15. At least three things will happen when God calls us into His service:
The Call to Serve Includes An APPOINTMENT. I Kings 19:19-21
These verses paint a graphic picture of the older prophet Elijah appointing young Elisha to take his place. Earlier in this chapter God had clearly told Elijah to do so (verses 16-17). I recall a church service where the retiring pastor draped a cloth ‘mantle’ over the shoulders of the younger pastor who had been called to take his place; it was a moving sight. In the early church, laypersons were called to assist the Apostles in ministry: “whom we can appoint to this duty,” the Apostles said (Acts 6:3). A laying on of hands ceremony in churches today is somewhat symbolic of passing on one’s mantle. If God calls you to serve, there’ll be an “appointment” included in the call (from a nominating team, a vote of the church, a pastor’s request, or simply a clear need that arises); look for it, and be ready to say “Yes!”
The Call to Serve Includes An ACCOMPANIMENT. II Kings 2:7-12
A call to serve is rarely private — just between God and the called person. Notice who all accompanied Elisha in this experience: the “fifty sons of the prophets,” who had been Elijah’s ‘preacher-boys.’ There were Elijah himself and Elisha, “the two of them.” Witnesses from Heaven were also there: the “chariots of fire” that took Elijah up were guided by “the horsemen of Israel,” those angel drivers! Your call to serve will be accompanied by many who pray for and encourage you: personal family members, your church family, and the family of God in heaven —‘so great a great cloud of witnesses’ (Hebrews 12:1). Expect “cheerleaders” to accompany you when you answer God’s call!
The Call to Serve Includes An ANOINTMENT! II Kings 2:13-15
The sons of the prophets recognized that Elisha had been anointed by the very Spirit that was on Elijah’s life and ministry. They exclaimed, “The spirit of Elijah rests upon Elisha!” And obviously, Elisha’s request for “a double portion” of that spirit was granted; six miracles were recorded by Elijah; this parting of the Jordan was the first of twelve for Elisha. When you answer God’s call to serve, anticipate — and ask for — the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Frankly, you’ll be an “unprofitable servant” without it!
“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” Elisha’s question was a good one. Rearranging the words makes another question pertinent: “Where are the ‘Elijahs’ of the Lord God?” May there be an new generation of God-appointed, Heaven-and-earth-accompanied, Spirit-anointed servants of Christ who’ve said YES to His call! ! (Revelation 1:18.) B&R — Dawson is pastor emeritus at First Baptist Church, Columbia, and has served as transitional interim pastor at numerous churches across the state since retiring from full-time ministry.