“Raising Elisha”
(Don’t Ever Forget To Remember)
I Kings 19:19-21
When Elijah cast his mantle on Elisha, Elisha said, “Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee.” This man’s man, Elisha, out in the field, single handedly plowing with twelve yoke of oxen was, in essence saying,
“First, let me tell them good-bye and let me, by kissing each of them, express my deepest gratitude for all they’ve ever done for me. Can you picture it? Strong and sturdy Elisha is plowing with-did you catch it-24 oxen at once! The man of God comes to call and because Elisha has been so spiritually cultivated, he is ready. And though he has been waiting for this moment for years- first, one small request. “Let me go throw my arms around my good father. I owe him. I would not be who I am today without him. He has infiltrated my being with his wisdom and if I have seen farther in this life it is because I have stood on the shoulders of this spiritual giant, my father. He has, by his sincere devotion to our great God, been my guiding light and testimony. By his strength, unflinching convictions, and vision he has set me on the course of my life and led me to my Saviour. So, permit me please, one last kiss on that rough and rugged, yet familiar cheek, for it may well be the last time I draw near to it. And let me, I pray you, gather up my precious mother and gently remind her as the tears fill her eyes, that this is the defining moment of my life-the very reason she has poured her life into mine-this is my hour. Let me kiss her, and in that kiss reveal that words are inadequate in expressing my thanks to her for all she has done for me-for all she is to me. For the standards she held me to, and for the countless lessons of life I learned at her knees. For running breathlessly beside me in the day and sitting quietly nearby, listening to my dreams in the night. For her comfort, for her care, for her, counsel. And most of all, her love.”
The Bible doesn’t tell us very much about Elisha’s parents. He is the son of a man called Shaphat and his mother’s name is not mentioned. Yet, what an impact they made on their son’s life-and what a son they raised for God! There is one small footnote to this touching scene and another nod to Elisha’s godly parents. Before Elisha went to meet up with Elijah, he threw a huge feast for his friends and family. On the menu? Oxen. Elisha made it clear that he was now on that road he had long been preparing to travel and should the temptation ever arise to turn back, he removed the means of his former occupation. I would like to think that Elisha’s parents stood nearby as he did this. I would imagine it was a thrill beyond compare. I can almost hear them, speaking to one another, “ This is amazing! God is faithful! It’s all been worth it-every bit of hard work, all the long talks, all the prayer!” And then this young man, upon whom God would pour a double portion of his spirit; this giant of a man for whom God would answer prayer so quickly that as soon as the words were breathed the prayer would be answered-ran to meet Elijah and served him and ministered to him and blessed him.
There are certain people who enable us to be as we have never been before. Surely Elisha’s father and mother inspire us as Christian parents, and in their company we find confidence and promise and hope.
Encouragingly yours,
Liz
