1 Kings 19:19-21
“So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.”
I have been blessed in my ministry to be mentored by some wonderful people. As I think back, names rise to the surface – men who encouraged me, gave me counsel, and gave me a chance to serve and to lead. Each name I recall carries with it memories of impactful discussions, godliness modeled, and a gentle nudge to step out into new roles and opportunities for growth. Part of being a disciple of Christ is not just in the life that we live, but the people that we tap on the shoulder and bring along with us. We are commissioned not only to be disciples but to make disciples. On our own, there is only so much that can be accomplished, but when we throw our cloak around another and lead them in growth and grace, the impact on God’s kingdom is multiplied.
I hope that one day as young men and women think back on those who invested in and impacted them in their faith, my name will be on their list.
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
- Do you have a list of men and women that threw their cloak around you? Take some time this week, whether by email, letter or phone call to reach out to one of them and thank them.
- Is there someone in your life that you can throw your cloak around? Let them know that you see potential in them and are willing to invest in them.
- Elisha sacrificed his oxen, not only as a sacrifice to God, but also as a goodbye to his old life. In what ways are you willing to sacrifice as others invest in you?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Jon Price, Associate Pastor