The Prophet ElishaShembull

Elisha’s Calling and Training as a Prophet

“He set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.” (1 Kings 19:21)

Elisha was doing his daily work, plowing a field on the family farm, when suddenly a man came up and threw his cloak around him. This seemingly odd gesture had a deep meaning. This cloak was an outstanding feature of the prophet Elijah (see 2 Kings 1:8). Throwing the cloak around Elisha’s shoulders was a symbolic way of saying: my ministry as a prophet is being transferred to you.

Elisha understood his calling and accepted it immediately. He kissed his parents good-bye, left his work on the fields, and set out to follow Elijah. With time, Elisha matured spiritually as he watched Elijah confront kings and perform miracles.

If God calls us for a certain task in His kingdom, this may require leaving our job, our relatives and/or our country. We may also need to be trained and coached by more experienced Christians before we are able to actually do the job we are called to do. Such a process requires faith, humility and perseverance.

If the Lord God calls you to a certain task, are you ready to give up other important things (like pursuing your career, owning a nice house or living near your relatives), and invest in years of training? Elisha responded immediately. What would you do?