Leadership is a significant role to play in the ministry of the Lord. Very few are born as leaders. Some became great leaders not because of their birth origin but because of their family exposure. Leadership is not inherited. It is learned through various means. Education is only one of the basic preparations. It is not the qualifying aspect into leadership function. If it is learned then it can be acquired. It can be lost as well due to non-usage. Leadership is a skill. It is a product of repetitively doing the various aspects of leadership. At times people are drawn into leadership roles by the glitters and glories of the office. Some have fallen as they were launched too early into it without the necessary preparations. Some have grown too old to lead and have been overwhelmed by the fear of its consequences. For the saved, nothing really happens which will not be divinely used as preparations into future leadership roles.
Elijah was a great servant leader of God in the Old Testament days. He was a man of faith. He was so courageous to face the false prophets. But he was also too fearful and presumptuous of being alone in the battle God has placed him in. He was greatly used of God. It seems that he was unsurpassable by anyone. But he himself knew well that when he goes someone has to carry on the tasks he received from the Lord. In short, he was faced with the need of succession. In the business world, this is called as the passing of great leadership.
We, too, face the same problem in every church ministry as we deal with various causes of moving out from the task we used to do. But the local church must continue. So she must be prepared in providing fit leadership for the future. Our current generation must prepare the next towards leadership tasks they will face. How do we do it? In my search from the word of God, I stumbled over this Elijah-Elisha succession which exemplifies godly servant leadership succession. I wish you, brethren, would look into other biblical evidences for further corroboration of this biblical study. Both the departing and succeeding leaders will learn much from it.
Elijah chose Elisha out of the working field to serve him. We see this in 1 Kings 19:19-21. Studying the text closely will reveal some important elements in the selection. First, Elisha was busy plowing the field (v.19). Second, Elijah searched and chose him (v. 19). Third, Elijah signaled to him as he passed by (v. 19). Fourth, Elisha left his work and followed Elijah (v. 20). Fifth, he sought permission from Elijah to inform his parents before departure (v. 20). Sixth, Elisha kept his word and followed Elijah (v. 21). Finally, he served Elijah (v. 21).
The narrative does not show evidence that Elijah specifically detailed with Elisha the tasks he would do. But, he fully understood the meaning of the older prophet’s signal. I think there were many risks involved in the action of Elisha in committing to follow Elijah. There lies the first greatness of this rising servant leader of the Lord.
Another evidence of Elisha’s greatness is his urgency to follow Elijah though he sought parental information prior to his all out obedience to the older prophet. Further, the text also indicates his dedicated service to Elijah, a task not specified but probably presumed and carried on by Elisha.
I admire Elijah in his discernment to get Elisha though he was divinely directed in the process. We can not absolutely claim similar guidance from the Lord. However, we can rely upon His word and prayer for discernment to achieve similar ends. The older prophet was also prudent to prepare for the future need of his ministry successor.
To those who will be chosen to serve, consider the circumstances of Elisha prior to his selection. You ought to emulate the same as lessons can be learned as well there even in a secular and neutral field!
Elisha remained with Elijah until he was taken by the Lord. This is mentioned three times in 2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6 where the former always said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. What does this mean? Is it disobedience on Elisha’s part or indication of his dedication to the older prophet? Elijah must have tested him to leave him and go elsewhere even for ministry’s sake. But it seems that the young prophet passed the test. Elisha was stony dedicated to serving Elijah. His commitment to serve Elijah in 1 Kings 19:21 remained. He was unaffected by the ups and downs of Elijah’s ministry including his upcoming departure.
As a servant of the Lord to have Elisha’s spirit, attitude, and action nowadays is a great asset in the ministry. Such a fellow church worker is indeed a precious possession. I would rather have one such church worker than five people who do not have such commitment. Thus, it is my diligent prayer and preaching that God will mercifully multiply Elisha’s model in our local church. Such is not developed alone by asking the Lord. We have the duty to teach, to preach, and to model such pattern among our leaders and members. Consider this, mission workers and pastors! Your failure to define this goal and work hard to achieve it will lead to ministry defeatist attitude.
Cornerstone members here and there, you ought to imitate Elisha in your ministry at the church. Be privileged when you are chosen to serve by the Lord through the local church authority. Stick to it until your leader is gone before the Lord. May you be described in the future or in eternity as one who remained faithful and uncompromising until the end of our leader.
Elisha received the most potent provision (vv. 9-10). Elisha did not demand from Elijah any favor. But in God’s providence, the older prophet saw the need to ask Elisha about what he desired in life before the former left him. With humility and readiness, perhaps with no confusion, he asked for the very power behind Elijah’s ministry success or faithfulness. Elisha knew what to ask that matters most in his current life and work. He was not worldly neither lustful in requesting for favors. He showed a mature and godly character by this request. Elijah readily granted his permitted request (v.10). What a great possession Elisha received!
What would you like the Lord to give you in the ministry you are currently engaged in? Would this indicate Elisha type of character or the world? As parents, what do you desire most for your children? In such longings do we demonstrate Elisha’s character or that of the world? As youth and single, what do you long for in life? Would the Savior be pleased with your desires and longings in thoughts and prayers?
Think of what the Lord might be thinking of us Cornerstone people as a local church. What do we desire as a church and why? Would the Lord be honored with our prayer request, plan, and prodding?
Finally, Elisha received the very mantle of Elijah (vv. 13-14). The mantle symbolized the older prophet’s authority which the young prophet received both by divine delegation and Elijah’s turning over. Elisha mourned over the departure of Elijah as he would be surely missed. The authority also includes the prophet’s power which he inherited by divine transfer. This authority and power received were both manifested in Elisha’s life and witnessed by people (v. 15). This is the climax of Elisha’s succession to the office of the prophet.
Elisha did not aspire for the mantle even if he knew he was the chosen successor. This indicates his humble character even in managing the glories of promotion. He was not mesmerized by the nobility of power. He was not also blinded by the very authority inherent in his office. He knew this must be used to minister to Israel the very words of God. Elisha was prepared well so he was greatly exalted by the Lord into succeeding Elijah.
Cornerstone leaders, let us indeed be servants of the Lord according to Elisha’s character in matters of dealing with promotion. Let us use our divinely given power to advance the local church of Christ. Wait until the Lord gives you the exaltation into the ministry office. Let us think less of ourselves even as we think more of the church people to build them up until the Savior comes. Amen!
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