Elisha – Apprentice Prophet

He returned from following him, took the yoke of oxen, and slaughtered them; using the equipment from the oxen, he boiled their flesh, and gave it to the people, and they ate.  1 Kings 19:19-21

Elijah was a well-known prophet. When Jesus asked his disciples what they were hearing about who he was, they replied, “some think you are Elijah.” When Jesus was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John, they were joined by Moses and Elijah.

Elisha first shows up near the end of Elijah’s ministry as Elijah was complaining to God, “I have zealously served you but now I’m the only prophet left – all the others killed. And they’re trying to kill me too.” With that, God instructed Elijah to go to the “wilderness of Damascus” to anoint [anoint leaders], and Elisha to take your place as my prophet.”

In the scene that follows God is instructing Elijah to go and anoint Elisha.. Elijah placed robe around Elisha’s shoulders and walked away. Whereupon Elisha left his oxen standing in the field and ran after Elijah, knowing that he wanted to be Elijah’s apprentice.

This narrative about Elijah’s anointing Elisha is lacking in detail. All we know is that Elisha went back to his oxen, killed and roasted them and gave the townspeople the roasted meat to eat. And then caught up with Elijah to be mentored by him.

Who does that sort of thing? Kills his means of livelihood in order to be an apprentice. We might contrast Elisha to the man who went to Jesus and said, “I will follow you anywhere.” Jesus could only warn him of the difficulty of this.

Elisha had been thinking about following Elijah. So when the time came, Elisha said, “Sign me up!”

Prayer: God of Elijah and Elisha, what men of faith they were, willing to walk into the court of Ahab or to give up one’s livelihood. May we people like that. Who have spent our lives thinking about following you. Giving up everything. Give us hearts like that, O God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.