Servants First

About this episode

This episode explores the biblical theme of service before leadership, as exemplified by Elisha's calling by Elijah.

1 Kings 19:19–21 (NIV) "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. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. 'Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,' he said, 'and then I will come with you.' 'Go back,' Elijah replied. 'What have I done to you?' So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant." Have you ever noticed how often in Scripture… God calls someone, and instead of placing them in a position of leadership right away… He places them in a position of service? We see it so clearly in 1 Kings 19. Elijah has just walked through exhaustion, fear, and restoration. And then God calls Elisha. And Elisha's response is striking. He doesn't hesitate. He doesn't negotiate. He doesn't ask for a plan. He returns home… He takes the very oxen that represent his livelihood… He sacrifices them… He burns the plow… And then he follows Elijah. But here's…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jim Stovall, Greta Smith

Topics covered

• service
• leadership
• faith
• sacrifice
• calling

Keywords

• Elijah
• Elisha
• service
• leadership
• sacrifice
• 1 Kings 19

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: First United Methodist Church

Places: Maryville, TN

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