Elijah had become too important in his own eyes. He had called down fire from heaven and had seen the destruction of hundreds of the prophets of Baal. Yet, when he ran from the wicked queen, fearing for his life, he settled into a cave to feel sorry for himself. Twice Elijah told the Lord, "I, even I only am left and now they seek my life" (I Kings19:10,14). In other words, "God, no one else is serving you except me, and you stand a good chance of losing me. W hat will you do without me?" Because Elijah would not stop complaining, God decided to replace him .

What kind of person does God look for to take a ministry? There were many young prophets in training at the time. It would seem only fitting that God would choose Elijah's successor from that group. Yet, God told Elijah he would be replaced by Elisha. Elisha was a farmer and he was found plowing a field when Elijah threw his mantle around him. Elisha wasn't in school studying to be a prophet, but was faithfully working in his father's field.

Elisha was as faithful to Elijah as he had been to his own father. As difficult as Elijah made it for Elisha, Elisha never left his side and for a number of years followed Elijah without question. This faithfulness opened the door for Elijah's departure and for the ministry of the prophet to be given to Elisha.

Faithfulness is the Key

God is not looking for qualifications. Above all else he is looking for faithfulness in one He has set apart for ministry. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). One day the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said "You can teach a person qualifications, but you can't teach them faithfulness." A person is either faithful or not faithful. As qualified as Paul was to enter the ministry, he told Timothy… he (God) counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry (I Timothy1:12). One day when we all stand before God, He will not say, "Well done thou good and qualified servant". Faithfulness in life will be the foundation for our eternal rewards.

For related information, check out Character Studies in Ruth at the BYM Store.

Copyright 2009 by Bob Yandian Ministries.
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