Answering the Call Podcast

So Elijah went and found Elisha, son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders, and then walked away. (1 Kings 19:19 NLT)

When Elijah ran for his life because Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him [Read 1 Kings chapter 18], God had an action plan to prevent the Queen’s desire from being fulfilled. Not only did God send an angel to feed Elijah in the wilderness, but the food that he ate also sustained him for 40 days. Yet, God was not finished with His miraculous plan. 1 Kings 19, verses 15-17 directs Elijah to anoint two kings and Elisha as the prophet to succeed Elijah.

King Ahab and Queen Jezebel were wicked–building many idols. Due to fear of execution, many Israelites turned to idol worship, which was at an all-time high. Even Elijah was convinced that he was the only person who served the one true God. Many believers are convinced that they are the only ones suffering severe trials and sorrows. Looking at our circumstances, we begin to sink into despair. God is aware that our human hearts are frail. Even so, God always has a rescue plan for those who love and serve Him.

“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18)

Elisha’s Call: “…and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away.” (1 Kings 19:19, first part)

Elisha’s Response: “Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, ‘First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!'” (1 Kings 19:19)

Elijah’s Answer: “Elijah replied, ‘Go back, but think about what I have done to you.'” (1 Kings 19:19, last part)

To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). If you have heard that line of wisdom, you know it means we are held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like, it is expected that we benefit others. https://law.utk.edu/2016/05/10/to-whom-much-is-given-much-will-be-required/#:~:text=To%20whom%20much%20is%20given%2C%20much%20will%20be%20required%20(Luke,expected%20that%20we%20benefit%20others.

Serving God always includes spiritual responsibilities. Every person who accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior is called and anointed to witness the Good News of Salvation. Matthew 28:18-20, The Great Commission identifies that we are Jesus’ disciples. All disciples have received spiritual gifts according to God’s plan. Even in a raging pandemic, God has provided technology to advance His message of Redemption and Salvation. Using our social media pages to post a daily Scripture takes little effort, yet, it builds our relationship with Jesus because it requires us to pray and study the Bible.

Still, the question remains, “When God calls, how will we answer?”

Prayer: God, we ask that You reveal our spiritual gifts that we may live a purpose-driven life and hasten the Second Coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.