God Always Calls a Busy Person

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 19

Scripture Focus: So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. (1 Kings 19.19)

Devotional Thought: “God always calls a busy person.” I remember an old preacher telling me that once. I thought he was crazy! If I want something done, shouldn't I find someone who has the time to do it?

Elijah was nearing the end of his life. So, God revealed to Elijah a prophet to continue Elijah's ministry. The prophet was Elisha, son of Shaphat. Elisha, it was said, was “plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth.” That means that he not only was driving a plow, he was also supervising 11 others. He was a man of industry and responsibility. Some would say, he was too busy to answer God’s call. God saw it differently.

Elijah “cast his cloak upon him.” By doing so, Elijah was saying that the mantle of prophetic responsibility would now fall on Elisha’s shoulders. This was God’s call. Elijah didn’t explain, didn’t apologize, didn’t try to ease the responsibility. As a matter of fact, if he did anything at all, he discouraged Elisha: “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” He was saying in effect, “This isn’t from me. If God isn’t calling you, then just go on back home.”

Well, God was calling Elisha, and Elisha knew it. He busted up the yokes and built a fire, he slaughtered the twenty-four oxen, and he had a religious feast, commemorating the call of God and his resolute response. “Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.” So much for being too busy or having too much responsibility!

Do you want to be used of God in significant ways? Then get busy, for “God always calls a busy person…”

Prayer: Lord, I am embarrassed to think about the number of times I have said, "I'm too busy" when you have called. Forgive me. Lord, right now, right here, I say "Here am I. Send me." Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 124.6-8

6 Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! 7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.