Elijah confronts Ahab

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1 Kings 19:19 begins the story of Elisha. Elijah had been God's prophet for many years. He'd reprimanded Ahab, stayed with the poor widow and her son, confronted the Baal prophets on Mount Carmel where he called down fire from God, and ran in a moment of fear stemming from Jezebel's threats. When God revealed that he would take Elijah to heaven in a chariot of fire and a whirlwind, Elijah went to Elisha to call him to take his place.

He found Elisha plowing his family's fields. When Elisha understood why Elijah had come, he left the field immediately. He killed some of the oxen to throw a party and tell his family goodbye. He roasted the meat by burning some of the yokes and plows. He was ready to leave the old behind, embrace the new, and commit to serving God according to His will.

Elisha also showed his commitment as he followed Elijah. When Elijah went to Bethel, he told Elisha to stay behind, but Elisha insisted that he would stay with his mentor. When God called Elijah to go to Jericho, he again told Elisha not to come, but the new prophet refused to be left behind. Before Elijah was taken up in the chariot of fire, Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit because he wanted to be the best prophet he could be, and he knew he couldn't rely on himself for that.

After Elijah left, Elisha did great things because of his deep commitment to following God and doing His will. That's what the Church needs today -- Christians who are totally committed. That's what the Lord meant in Revelations 3:16 when he talks about spewing the lukewarm from his mouth. We are either totally committed to God, or we aren't committed at all. Where do you stand? If you find yourself lacking, you can change that right now. Pray about it.

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