Elijah and Elisha

Confession here. I sometimes confuse Elijah and Elisha. I mean they pretty much have the same names, they were right next to each other as prophets. And Elisha did several of the same miracles Elijah did right after he was translated. So when I say Elijah was the man, I mean to say Elijah AND Elisha are the men. Does that still work?

Anyway, Elisha is so fabulous. We start out by coming to know Elisha when Elijah comes up to him at his house. In 1 Kings 19:19-20 it says

"19.So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.
20. And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And hesaid unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee.
21. And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him."

There are several things in here we find about Elisha. First he was wealthy. Twelve yoke of oxen were signs of wealth because each yoke pulled a plow, and were driven by one servant. That they ate the oxen is another sign of wealth, but it also represented Elisha's rejection of worldly wealth and his preparation to follow Elijah and make the material sacrifices necessary to become a prophet. (lds institute student manual)

When we read in Matthew 19:23-24 about how it is easier for a camel to fit through a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God, we find this act even more amazing.

But not only that, when Elijah came there was no cajoling or pleading or even discussion about Elisha becoming the next prophet. That he simply put his mantle (or cloak) on Elisha and Elisha knew what that meant and immediately left his oxen is another testament of Elisha and his faithfulness and dedication. Is that how you or I respond to a call? Heavens we usually aren't asked to walk away from our businesses or jobs to answer our call to be a visiting teacher, relief society president, or even bishop. But do we respond with faithful hearts willing to do ALL that is asked and required of us? That is the example I love and take the most from Elisha.