Third Sunday after Pentecost: Old Testament, 1 Kings 19:19b-21           

1 Kings 19:19b-21

There are always, always challenges to the Word of God continuing to go forward. In our Old Testament lesson this week, the great prophet Elijah bemoans his stance as the only one left to speak for his God, Yahweh of Hosts. Of course, upon correction from the Lord himself, Elijah learns that God has preserved, as he always does, a remnant of faithful witnesses. And in this very brief pericope, we find God has handpicked Elijah’s replacement and it shouldn’t surprise any of us. It’s his servant Elisha. It’s that one-on-one relationship that God provides from one generation of hearers to the next. We might call it discipleship and it is an office to which all of us are called in our baptisms.

Thank God for all those who have helped to form Christ in you. Not just pastors, either. Although they are wonderful and necessary. But if you are languishing in your walk with God, if you are despairing in isolation or you’re just not sure how near God is to you, ask him to provide a more seasoned disciple along the way. I have no doubt that he will hear, answer, and provide someone who will help the Word of God do its next works in you.