1 Kings 19:19-21

The Call of Elisha.

After the visions of Horeb, and in pursuance of the commission there received, Elijah returned from the wilderness and re-entered the land of Israel. Whether he went round by Damascus, and in his course anointed Hazael to be king over Syria, as Samuel had anointed David long before he ascended the throne of Israel, we are not informed. It is not necessary for the fulfilment of his instructions ( 1 Kings 19:15 ) to suppose that he did so; for prophets are said to do things which they predict . (See Jeremiah 1:10 ; Ezekiel 43:3 ; Romans 4:17 .) The reason is that their predictions are sure to be accomplished; and upon the same principle a true faith in the promises of God is said to be the "substance" or subsistence of "things hoped for" ( Hebrews 11:1 ). It is certain that Elisha made provision for the anointing of Jehu; Elisha also informed Hazael that he should be king over Syria (see 2 Kings 8:13 ; 2 Kings 9:1-3 ). The call of Elisha was by the hand of Elijah .

I. THE CALL OF ELISHA WAS FROM GOD .

1 . Elijah threw his mantle over Elisha .

2 . Elijah acted under Divine direction .

II. THE RESPONSE OF ELISHA WAS TO GOD

1 . He accordingly renounced the world .

2 . He followed Elijah .

Observe:

1 . Elisha, though evidently a great man at Abel-Meholah, could handle the plough. There is no disgrace in honest labour. It is even honourable.

2 . While in pursuit of his business he was called of God. Business will not be honest if it prevent us from hearing God's voice.

3 . He returned to kiss his father and mother and make a farewell feast with his household before following Elijah. Natural affection and social endearments, within proper limits, are respected by religion.

4 . Elisha's parents do not seem to have hindered him. Those parents incur fearful responsibilities who, under worldly influences, hinder their sons from responding to a call of God to enter His ministry.—J.A.M.

HOMILIES BY J. WAITE