Not The Lazy Song

1 Kings 19:19

So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him.

One time last summer,  I called my sister through her cp and although she wasn’t answering, I kept redialing. Her ringback tone was what caught me. The reggae feel was so in-season and true to its title, t’was ‘The Lazy Song’. Ironically, it was from the half-Pinoy Bruno Mars who worked his way up to hitting the charts. He was first known as a ‘co-writer with’, a ‘back up to’, and a ‘guest artist in’ before landing solo. I may not recommend all his lyrics to teens today (funny because calls his EP ‘It’s Better If You Don’t Understand’), but his diligence is worth notetaking.  Mars describes his time behind the scenes as important to his development as an artist. That, like his music, is refreshing to hear :>

Elisha’s name came as a fresh wind to Elijah. He was an answer to his prayer for hope and help. Coming down from Mount Horeb, his thoughts were filled with much anticipation for this man. Finally, someone to talk to and share burdens with! He found him plowing the field with twelve yoke of oxen and he himself driving the twelfth pair. Elisha knew him at once. Who would not? He was top one on Jezebel’s wanted list. But who’s Elisha? Elijah saw that he was his exact opposite. Elisha lives in a dance village, has a land of his own, and has supportive parents. Compare that to his wilderness lifestyle. There was nothing outward for them to break the ice. So Elijah just threw his cloak around him – in obedience to God – and walked away. Emotion’s down probably. Elisha, on the other hand, was more than excited, more than willing to leave everything behind and come with him. He just asked for a time to kiss his parents goodbye. ‘Go back, what have I done to you?’ was Elijah’s reply. Quite cold huh? Or maybe he was just testing Elisha’s heart. Regardless, nothing’s stopping Elisha now. He readily burned his plowing equipment, called in people to eat with him, and was soon on his way.

Elijah could have missed it at first glance but God knew Elisha was the right man. He may not have the looks of an itinerant missionary, but he sure has the passion and the diligence for His purposes. The desire to serve could have been long burning in his heart, but wisdom taught him patience and faith. He was first found faithful in the own field, loving to his family, and thoughtful to his neighbors. In God’s perfect time, he called him for the second phase.  He will be Elijah’s attendant – pouring water to his hands – for another ten years! Misplaced? Is that what’s stopping us from doing our best now? Do years of waiting or menial jobs disappoint us? Will zero encouragement from our superiors limit us? God is pro-process and ever-present. He doesn’t want our hearts looking farther ahead at the expense of disregarding what is at hand. Both matter. We work our way up and praise Him in every step. Now, that is music to His ears :>