“Remember those who have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation, Jesus Christ…” (Heb. 13:7-8).
The relationship between the prophet Elijah and his protégé, Elisha, affords one of the finest examples in Scripture of the biblical model of discipleship, and the prerequisites for preparing this generation for the challenges of the next. Effectively grooming a new generation of leaders is imperative if we are to check the rising tide of secularism and comprimise in the church, and proceed with the work of maturing the saints. It is a task that requires both time and patience. Carefully passing the baton of spiritual responsibility is beautifully displayed in the ministry of Elijah the prophet.
Elijah was raised up by God during a time in Israel’s history when there was wholesale departure from the Word of God. In many ways, the conditions existing during his day parallel those of ours. Though not a writing prophet, the power and extent of Elijah’s ministry have earned him an undeniable place of respect in our hearts.
As Elijah’s ministry drew to a close, he was instructed to anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat in his place. But before the transition could be complete, there had to be a time of preparation for Elisha, as there is for anyone assuming a place of spiritual responsibility among the Lord’s people. The accounts of Elijah’s casting his mantle on Elisha (1 Ki. 19:19-21) and his conferral of responsibility upon him (2 Ki. 2) carry many valuable lessons for those who serve in leadership and desire to entrust their sacred duties to the hands of those who would faithfully carry on the work.
Not Always Obvious at First
Upcoming leaders among God’s people are not always readily apparent. True, Elijah had been divinely instructed to cast his mantle on Elisha, but from outward observation Elisha would probably not have won any votes in a popularity contest, at least not initially (2 Ki. 2:23). The fact that he was plowing “with the twelfth” (1 Ki. 19:19), the last in line, further underscored that Elisha would not have commanded any attention. But in the work of the Lord, and especially in leadership, this is exactly what is needed: a humble, self-effacing, and hard-working attitude—all crucial characteristics in a work which involves long hours, high expectations, excessive scrutiny, and, at times, harsh personal criticism. As with many of God’s honored servants such as Moses, Gideon, David, and the disciples, Elisha was not idle when he was called, but busily engaged in his work. The axiom holds true: “God does not steer parked cars” but thrusts into service those who have learned personal diligence.
Elisha’s response to Elijah’s actions also deserves notice. After having the mantle cast on him, Elisha immediately left the oxen and ran after Elijah. Requesting to say farewell to his parents, he then slew the oxen, burned them and the instruments, and gave the oxen to the people to eat before leaving with Elijah.
Here are some of the subtle evidences of a promising candidate for use in the service of the Lord. First, his actions demonstrated a willingness to detach himself from material things for a higher cause. He was willing to “burn his bridges” behind him so that he would not be tempted to revert to his past livelihood should some difficulty arise. It also showed that, unlike the man that the Lord spoke about who wanted to wait until his father died before becoming a disciple (Lk. 9:60), Elisha simply requested to go home briefly to say goodbye to those he loved before launching into ministry as Elijah’s servant.
Giving the boiled oxen clearly exhibited his concern for the practical needs of people around him—a further indication of the core values needed for leadership and responsibility among the Lord’s people. Indeed, that same servant attitude would later be cited when the king of Israel commented that Elisha was the one who poured water on Elijah’s hands, verifying the low position that Elisha was willing to occupy (2 Ki. 3:11).
Development in Stages
Elisha’s development as a leader came in three phases: his calling; his service as an apprentice to Elijah; and the third phase in which the reins of leadership were turned over to him (2 Ki. 2). Having had it revealed to him that he was going to be taken up to heaven, Elijah made plans to visit the schools of the prophets. As a test perhaps to his student, Elijah makes the request for Elisha to stay behind while he travels on to Bethel.
Elisha’s reluctance to do so indicates his heartfelt attachment to the work and to following in the steps of his mentor. When this occurs two more times, Elisha’s response is the same. The verdict is clear: here is a man who is thoroughly committed to the Lord and who cherishes time with his mentor.
Like many leaders, they are keenly aware that time is of the essence, and that our time with those who have been instrumental in our spiritual development is limited, as painful as that might be. This episode reflects a two-sided perspective: one on the part of the mentor to ascertain the level of commitment of the student, and the other for the learner to make full use of the time to capitalize on every discipleship opportunity.
Personal Time a Must
When Elijah came to the Jordan, he took his mantle and struck the waters with it so he and Elisha could pass over to the other side. It was a special time alone for teacher and learner. At this time Elisha requested a double portion of the spirit of Elijah, a definite petition to follow in the steps of his teacher. Stating that it was not for him but for God to grant, Elijah nevertheless gave encouragement to Elisha that it could possibly happen. What occurs next in the narrative is telling: “as they still went on, and talked” (2 Ki. 2:11). Here is a poignant scene if there ever was one: mentor and learner, sharing final moments, talking about the things that they held dear. And then the dramatic and sudden conclusion, as this venerable servant of the Lord is ushered into heaven in a chariot of fire—his departure as abrupt as his introduction in the pages of Scripture.
So it is with many of God’s precious servants: here for a time and gone in a flash, leaving behind a simple legacy of their memory, their mantle, and the model of faithful service for those remaining to follow. That pattern of ministry, and the power behind it, was exactly what Elisha entered into when he picked up the mantle that Elijah left behind and retraced his steps over the Jordan to resume the ministry of his teacher and guide.
The account of Elisha’s call, his training and transition into leadership is extremely relevant to the church today. This is a stark reminder to the older generation that they need to be on the lookout for those from the younger generation who are exhibiting the qualities that befit a faithful servant of the Lord. They need to realize that there is always a venue for their ministry, right up to the time of their departure, including help in preparing the next generation of leaders, aware that the mantle will eventually come down upon someone, preferably one exhibiting the qualities of true leadership who will maintain biblical convictions, even under a time of testing.
Finally, it should serve notice to young and old alike to spend quality personal time with each other in preparation for the transfer of spiritual responsibilities in the local assembly in God’s good time. May each of us, whether teacher or learner, be diligent in heeding the lessons on biblical leadership and discipleship from these revered servants of the Lord.
This is a stark reminder to the older generation that they need to be on the lookout for those from the younger generation who are exhibiting the qualities that befit a faithful servant of God.