It Ain't Over

16 Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 19 So he set out from there, and found Elisha son of Shaphat, who was plowing. There were twelve yoke of oxen ahead of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle over him. (1 Kings 19:16,19)

At the time of Elisha’s calling, Elijah has just come out of a difficult time. Queen Jezebel threatened to kill Elijah and he ran away in fear and desperation. Elijah was so tired of the unbelief of his own people that he sat down under a tree and told God he’d had enough and he wanted to die. God let Elijah rest and sent angels to give him food and water. Then God unceremoniously sent Elijah on his way to continue his journey and to find the successor he was to train, someone who would continue the work - Elisha.

Because it wasn’t over!

For his part, Elisha was not exactly at a high point in his life when Elijah came calling. Elisha was plowing his family’s field and he was at the end of line, possibly representing his lower standing, but also making him more accessible to Elijah. When Elijah put the mantle or cloak - representing the passing of responsibility - on Elisha, Elijah kept walking. Elisha ran after Elijah - signifying his acceptance. Elisha would walk with, and learn from, Elijah for about 8 years, becoming like a son. So when the word went out that the Lord was about to take Elijah up in a whirlwind, Elisha was deeply distressed. Although Elijah tried to get Elisha to turn back, to not endure the hardships and heart breaks of life as a prophet, Elisha refused to leave his teacher's side. Elisha's only request was that he would inherit a double portion of Elijah's spirit. This was something that only God could give, essentially God’s anointing to continue the work of Elijah.

10 He responded, "You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not." (2 Kings 2:10)

Elisha did indeed see his mentor taken into heaven, and in midst of his sorrow, he cried out to God saying, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" But he picked up the mantle Elijah had dropped and he followed the example of his teacher, striking the water with it, and God responded by parting the water once again, signifying that God was now with Elisha just as God had been with Elijah.

Because it wasn’t over.

When we find ourselves weary from trying to live life God's way and not seeing the results we desire, it ain't over. And when we’re in last place, like Elisha, we may be in exactly the place God needs us to be to receive what God has for us. When we stand in the valley with only memories of what was and uncertainty of what is to come we can cry out to God, follow the faithful examples of those who have taught us, and watch for what God will do.

Because it ain't over.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. 10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. 11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:9-11)