In The Shadows

A man came from across the Jordan River. He was from a poor family in an out of the way place. Moody would be the best way to describe his demeanor because he seemed prone to big mood swings. One day euphoric, and the next day he might appear as though he was depressed. His appearance is a little sketchy at best, but we do know he was “hairy.” The 13 years he spent in ministry might seem short, but the drama involved would have been something to see. There are only 7 miracles accredited to him during his time in ministry. Much like the man, those miracles were larger than life and worthy of much respect. Timid would not be a good word to use when trying to illustrate his personality. Who is this man? Why it is Elijah the prophet. He was great in many ways. He is by far one of the most remembered of all the Old Testament prophets, but was he the most accomplished? 

            There was another man who came from a wealthy home located in Abel Meholah which was in Israel proper. All indicators tell us he was even-tempered. The Biblical account also tells us, in contrast to Elijah, he was “bald.” (II Kings 2:23) His tenure of 25 years in ministry is to be admired by modern-day ministers who can usually only hope to last for that long. He managed to be credited with 14 miracles, although they were minor when compared to Elijah’s great exhibitions of God’s power. Unlike Elijah who dealt with powerful, worldly figures, this man was at home with the common people. His ministry even started slow in the eyes of most because he spent the first ten years ministering to Elijah. By now one might have already guessed his name, Elisha. 

            Both Elijah and Elisha were appointed by God to be the lead prophets of Israel. They both acted as trainers of younger prophets. Their miracles also played key roles in the judgment and restoration of Israel.

            There are many insights to be found in the lives of these two men of God. The first thing that jumps out would be that God has made each of us for a unique role in His service. Notice that their key differences were suited to the different roles God wanted them to play in his plan. Elijah's bold personality and miraculous deeds were needed to call the nation back to God from the brink of total apostasy. Elisha's compassionate miracles for the common Israelite provided them a needed reminder of God's faithfulness to them when they were faithful to him. 

            The second lesson comes in on the heels of the first lesson. Success is faithfully fulfilling God's role for you, not how you compare to others or how much approval you get from others. Whose life was more successful: Elijah's or Elisha's? Most who lived during Elijah's life and afterward regarded him as more successful than Elisha. Throughout his life, Elisha lived in Elijah's shadow. Was he then less successful? Elisha asked to receive a double portion of Elijah's spirit, and God granted his request. Elisha never had the kind of public fame Elijah had, but his life was successful in the only eyes that really matter, the eyes of God.

            From a ministers perspective empathy overflows for Elisha. Having spent most of my working years owning my own company, serving under the leadership of others is a point of personal struggle. I see so many in the ministry today doing things that they are not equipped to do. Hence they seem to be ineffective where they serve. The importance of serving in the area God has designed us to serve will make or break a ministry. In the 12 years I have spent in the ministry I have seen so many people, who were called by God, but serving in the wrong area become discouraged. Some of those have even left the faith altogether. In contrast I have met several who serve where they are called and gifted. Many of whom are the unseen heroes of the faith. They serve faithfully and never get the accolades that a senior pastor might receive, but they are rewarded in ways that are beyond the imagination. 

            I once imagined my life as a combination of Jeremiah and Elijah. To some extent the Jeremiah comparison continues to be valid, but these days Elisha’s is a better fit that Elijah. I thought I was in my area of giftedness, but God has opened several doors I never noticed before. My role has always been quiet, behind the scenes, educating people in small group settings. Being in the shadow of the “Pastor” seems to have been my role, and I am blessed in the ministry God has given me.