He left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, ‘Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.’ Then Elijah said to him, ‘Go back again; for what have I done to you?’” vs. 20
1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21
After his encounter with the Lord at Mount Sinai Elijah went back to Israel with a new set of instructions: to anoint a couple of kings and then to choose a prophet to succeed him. He does the third thing first. Having been given Elisha’s name, he goes to his home to issue the call. But when Elijah signals his intention, Elisha asks for a delay. He wants to say goodbye to his parents. But Elijah told him there could be no delay. We wonder about the urgency–but the truth is that sometimes the mission is urgent, and delay is impossible. The story reminds us of the call Jesus issued to his disciples along the Sea of Galilee. He said, “Come follow me,” and there was no hesitation. They became his followers for the rest of their lives. Many of us have had to make those snap decisions too, and it still seems to be that way with our call to discipleship. There may be difficulties along the way, but often that commitment to walk in the way of Jesus is not one that we will regret for long. There really is no better path to travel in this world, and there is certainly no better master.
Thought for the Day: When have I had to decide without delay?
0 Comments