THE NEXT GENERATION OF MINISTERS!
1 Kings 19:15-21
15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus : and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria
16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel
17 And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.
18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel
19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.
20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?
21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.
By some accounts the population of preachers is shrinking. Ministers are growing older and there are few youth who are inclined to take their place. Elijah was tired, bitter and cynical because of the spiritual conflict with the prophets of Baal. His final tour of duty included anointing two kings and one prophet to replace himself. His exit would be spectacular!
Finding Elisha plowing Elijah passed his mantle or robe to him. Elisha knew what was being asked of him and he hesitated briefly. This would mean being separated from family and the familiar routines of life. He requested a moment to kiss the family goodbye!
A request that seems reasonable to us disgusted Elijah who flew into a small rant saying: “Go on back home! I’ve made a mistake choosing you to replace me!” The response of Elisha demonstrated that young people can respond to great challenges with firm determination. Elisha slaughtered a couple of his pulling oxen and then boiled the flesh using the wooden plow equipment as fire wood. There was a final meal with his folks and then he rose up and went after Elijah following him closely.
I want you to picture the pulpit in your church empty. There is nobody to deliver the sermons of comfort and challenge. Now look around in your church for an Elisha. You will find him engaged in the normal activities of life. Is this the last generation of Christianity? Who will be the next preacher? This is the challenging question of every generation and the question is for you.
Acts 13:36
36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
Ps 71:18
18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Dear Lord, stir up another generation of leaders and ministers. Let us be engaged in service when you come for us. AMEN
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