GOD ALWAYS HAS A SUCCESSION PLAN

“When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” – 2 Kings 2:9-10.

The relationship between Elisha and Elijah in the Bible is one that is common in Scripture. It follows a pattern that demonstrates God always has a succession plan. A few examples are Moses had Joshua, David had Solomon, Jesus had the twelve disciples, and Elijah had Elisha.

From the lives of Elijah, Elisha, and others, we see that the work of the Lord is never supposed to stop. It is not supposed to die if the leader dies. It is the leader’s responsibility to instill the right principles in those who come after them. God had a plan for continued ministry.

God directed Elijah to appoint one to serve in his place and to carry on the work. “Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet” (1 Kings 19:16). Elijah found the younger man while he was plowing his fields. “threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away.” (1 Kings 19:19–21).

So what does Elisha do? He is faced with an unknown future. Should he stay, or should he go? Elisha asks if he can say his goodbyes but then takes the drastic action of burning his equipment, destroying any possibility of returning to the life he once lived. “So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.” (1 Kings 19:21)

The story of Elijah and Elisha is one of the most obvious succession planning stories in the Bible. It tells us much about both the role of the successor and the mentor. In his first encounter with Elijah, Elisha is willing to let go of his occupation, his family, and the life he has built thus far to follow after a man offering his mentorship. Elisha wasted no time in obeying. He didn’t go away to take time to think about it. He didn’t write out a list of pros and cons. He didn’t play it safe. He immediately said yes to God’s calling through Elijah.

God is the ultimate succession planner. In His kingdom plan, we must recognize that we are part of a bigger picture – God’s sovereign plan that spans human history.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the story of Elijah and Elisha change how we live our lives?