Focus on Reproduction, Student Workbook, SW12

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F O C U S O N R E P R O D U C T I O N

Times of transition can be hard or easy, depending on the circumstances and the challenges contained in the situation. The transition from Elijah’s prophetic ministry to Elisha was neither easy nor trouble free. Elijah, after a remarkable victory for the Lord on Mt. Carmel over the prophets of Baal, found himself depressed and dejected. His ministry had not had the kind of impact he had wished; he had even speculated that “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” He felt alone, defeated, and pursued. Not a great place to be in when you’re asked to define your ministry. God is very careful to remind Elijah that the work of the ministry is his; God has never surrendered the final responsibility for change and transformation to his messenger and minister. We are used by the Lord ; we are not, however, the Lord himself . God gave Elijah instructions about the “next step of ministry” he had for him, and assured Elijah that even in the face of his “unsuccessful work,” the Lord had reserved 7,000 worshipers who refused to bow the knee to nor kiss the idol of Baal but remained faithful to the covenant of Yahweh. It was in this setting and at this time that the transition of leadership occurred for Elijah. In verse 19 we see how Elijah departed from that place, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat , who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in a field. The text shows that Elijah passed by Elisha, and when he passed him, he cast his cloak upon him. Elisha knew the implications of this act, and asked for leave to settle family matters. Elijah’s response reveals that leadership in the Lord’s army is all volunteer. Their exchange reveals that leadership is a set-apart calling that involves a confirmed call, and a willingness to act of that call, no matter what. Elisha does not disappoint, for from that very time on, he acted on this call and became one of the greatest prophets in all of Jewish history. A key lesson we learn here is plain: God is the one who calls men and women to ministry, and is it he who empowers them by his Spirit to fulfill that ministry. The appointing, the promoting, the leading, and the outfitting for the work is his, and the glory, therefore, will also be his. In one sense, placing the cloak on Elisha is God himself, through the prophet Elijah, laying the cloak on him. When God desires to work among his people for his own sovereign purpose and sake, he selects a person, prepares them for the call, and then leads them into his will, in his own way and for his own purposes, in his own manner.

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