Elisha (1)

Rev. C. Vogelaar, Covell Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI

The prophet Elijah has departed, and Elisha has to take his place. Elisha, whose name means “God is salvation’,’ was born in Abel-meholah, a town in the land of the tribe of Issachar in the northern part of the Jordan valley. His father’s name was Shaphat, which means “he has judged.” He was a man who had prospered in some measure, for he needed twelve yoke of oxen to plow his fields.

In 1 Kings 19 we read of Elisha’s calling. It is not Elisha but the Lord who takes the initiative; Elisha is not seeking the Lord, but the Lord seeks him out. At the moment that the call comes to him, Elisha is not found in his study with a book in his hand but in the field behind the plow. God is sovereign in his dealings, and that is also evident when He calls men to the ministry. Although there is variety in His leadings concerning this, one thing is certain—God does not choose men because they are fit, but He fits them because they are chosen. For example, He called the sons of Zebedee when they were mending their nets. Levi was called when he was sitting in the receipt of customs, and Saul of Tarsus when persecuting the church.

His call

It is evident that Elisha will be the successor of Elijah. We read in 1 Kings 19, “And Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.” This is a symbolic act which demonstrates that Elisha was chosen by the Lord to take up the solemn task which He had formerly given to Elijah.

This call requires self-denial. Elisha has to give up a promising position on the farm, for the servant of Jesus Christ must not entangle himself with the affairs of this life. It requires sacrifice, for he has to leave father and mother. We read in Matthew 10:37, “He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” How necessary it is that the Lord Jesus Himself inclines the heart and makes him willing to follow Him—the Lamb—unconditionally, wherever He goeth.

Thirdly, courage is needed for obeying the call. It is not without danger that Elisha has to follow a man who was persecuted and hated by Jezebel. Humility is also very necessary. Elisha will not become a rich master of a prosperous farm but a humble servant. In the fifth place, he also needs faith. He must expect that his labors will often be like plowing upon rocks. Another prophet speaks of this in Isaiah 53:1. “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” Without the strong arm of the Lord, unbelief and resistance will be experienced, but by His irresistible power enemies will surrender and bow before Him.

Elisha requests permission to bid farewell to his family, and this is granted. Then there is a farewell feast, after which he departs. “Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him” For some time he may follow his master and receive instruction from him.

Also in our dark and dangerous days it is true what the prophet has said in Isaiah 53:10, ‘And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” Christ will have His church; Christ will have His church; the Bridegroom will have His bride. Christ shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied. “By His knowledge shall My righteous Servant justify many.” That righteous Servant is the precious Lord Jesus.

Departure of Elijah

It must have been a precious time in which Elisha was allowed to have the company and example of Elijah. The Lord has appointed the times of His servants, the times when and where they may serve. The poet says in Psalm 31:15, “My times are in Thy hand.” So it is also with Elijah. In 2 Kings 2 we read that the time of Elijah’s departure has arrived.

Before he leaves Elisha, he asks him a question. They have just passed through the Jordan after Elijah had taken his mantle, wrapped it together, and smitten the waters of the river. A path had been made so that they could go over on dry ground. Elijah’s question is, “Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.”

Elisha’s answer is, “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me” How necessary this is for the still young servant. This is not only so for Elisha but is indispensable for all who may work in God’s vineyard. Every servant of God needs to be endued with power from on high. It is only by the Holy Spirit’s leading and enabling that he can do this work which the Lord has not laid upon the shoulders of angels but upon weak and sinful creatures. Christ has said, “Without Me ye can do nothing.”

Elisha is witness to the departure of his master. “Behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven” Elisha sees it. This is a token that his request to Elijah is granted. What a blessing this is for him when he is standing before an unknown future with, humanly speaking, an impossible task. God will never leave him nor forsake him. The same Spirit who has led Elijah will be his Guide, Instructor, and Comforter.

When we consider how many of God’s true servants have been taken away from us, how many empty places there are in consistories and in our congregations, we may feel discouraged and have fears for the future. Ministers who served in all simplicity, but with the evidence of the power and the unction of the Spirit and with a life close to the Lord and who spoke to the heart of Jerusalem, have left large places empty in the churches. Not only ministers or elders and deacons but also some without such an office, exercised children of God who could give such practical, loving, earnest instruction, often in few but weighty words, are missed so much in our days. Yet, we may certainly not despise what the Lord has still left among us.

A new task

The departure of Elijah caused deep emotions in the heart of Elisha. “He cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof’ It is as if he says, “Elijah, my dear spiritual father, your prayers and instruction were of greater value and more of a defense than chariots and horsemen can give.” Elisha sees him no more, and he takes hold of his own clothes and rends them in two pieces. This is a token of mourning because of his loss.

However, Elisha will not be alone in these circumstances. The spirit of Elijah is also upon him. “He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan.” He is standing there before human impossibilities, with a task which may seem to be too heavy for human shoulders, but he is not alone. The mantle of Elijah signifies that Elisha may continue in his new task in the power and with the qualifying leading of the Spirit who had enabled his “father” to be firm, courageous, and faithful.

What an encouragement this is for those who feel so incapable, so unfit for their task. Not only do they feel unfit but also, as sinful creatures, so undeserving of anything from the Lord. Great is the faithfulness of Him who has spoken to Joshua, His servant, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

He cares for His own work and will never forsake what His hands have begun. That is the hope and comfort for the workers in His vineyard. It is not their cause; it is His own work. Also in our dark and dangerous days it is true what the prophet has said in Isaiah 53:10, “And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.” Christ will have His church; the Bridegroom will have His bride. Christ shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied. “By His knowledge shall My righteous Servant justify many.” That righteous Servant is the precious Lord Jesus.

His name may still be proclaimed, and His work will be completed. Sinners will still be gathered. May they also be gathered from our young people and children. Then, also in their lives He will be exalted as the only perfect Redeemer, the Savior of wretched sinners who is worthy to be praised.

(To be continued)

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