Elisha Called to Succeed Elijah

God had told Elijah to anoint another to be prophet in his place— “Elisha the son of Shaphat.” 1 Kings 19:16. In obedience to the command, Elijah went to find Elisha. As he journeyed northward, how different the scene was from what it had been only a short time before! Everywhere vegetation was springing up as if to make up for the time of drought and famine.RR 79.1

Elisha’s father was a wealthy farmer whose household had not bowed the knee to Baal. God was honored in their home. In the quiet of country life, under the teaching of God and nature and the discipline of useful work, Elisha received training in habits of simplicity and of obedience to his parents and to God. This training helped fit him for the high position he would occupy later.RR 79.2

The prophetic call came while he was plowing in the field. He had taken up the work that lay nearest. His spirit was quiet and gentle, yet he was energetic and steadfast. He gained strength of character in his humble toil, constantly increasing in grace and knowledge. While cooperating with his father in homelife duties, he was learning to cooperate with God. By faithfulness in little things, he was preparing for larger trusts. Day by day he gained a fitness for a higher work. In learning to serve he also learned how to instruct and lead. No one can know God’s intentions in His discipline, but all may be certain that faithfulness in little things is the evidence of fitness for greater responsibilities. Only someone who in small duties proves to be “a worker who does not need to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15) can be honored by God with higher service.RR 79.3

Many feel that their lives are useless, that they are doing nothing to advance God’s kingdom. Because they can serve only in little things, they think they are justified in doing nothing. In this they make a mistake. One may be in active service for God while performing ordinary, everyday duties—felling trees, clearing the ground, or following the plow. The mother who trains her children for Christ is working for God just as surely as is the minister in the pulpit.RR 79.4

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 enable us to give acceptable service, but the conscientious performance 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.RR 79.5

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.RR 80.1

“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.RR 80.2

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 privilege 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.RR 80.3