Elijah left Horeb, and started on his long journey Northward with the words of Jehovah ringing in his ears (and we may hope, in his heart also): “I have left Me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” God has always had a loyal remnant, even in the darkest days of Israel and of Christendom. In Thyatira, where blasphemy and wickedness prevailed, there were those who had not “this doctrine,” and had not known the depths of Satan (Rev. 2:24). To the angel of the Church in dead Sardis the Lord said: “Thou hast a few names which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy” (Rev. 3:4). When the tide of evil is flowing strongly, some timid souls fear to declare themselves. Joseph of Arimathea believed in Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews. Nicodemus was somewhat like him; but the appalling wickedness of the crucifixion gave these men courage, and brought them out into the light (John 19:38-42). Our Lord’s chosen disciples who had professed loyalty to Him, one of them being particularly strong in his protestations, were all missing at the critical hour. One of the twelve Matthew records that when John the Baptist was murdered “his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it” (Matt. 14:12). Surely Matthew’s heart smote him as he penned those words! He and his fellow-disciples did not do for the Lord Jesus what the disciples of John did for their teacher. It is indisputably the will of God that those who revere His name and value His truth should stand forth boldly in testimony, whatever the danger may he; but if in their timidity any lack courage for this, God does not despise the true faith which reigns in their hearts.
Now here is an interesting thing: no sooner had Jehovah told Elijah of the loyal seven thousand than He began to bring some of them out into prominence. Elijah, of course, knew of Obadiah, and of the prophets whom he had befriended; now Elijah was sent to seek out Elisha the son of Shaphat. Here then is one of the seven thousand. In the following chapter—1 Kings 20—we read of three more, although their names are not given (v.v. 13, 28, 35). Then in chapter 21 we find faithful Naboth; and in chapter 22 we have Micaiah the son of Imlah, whom Ahab hated for his outspokenness, and kept in prison: These are a few samples of the true-hearted minority living in the midst of apostate Israel.
It was a peaceful scene at Abel-Meholah. The rain for which Elijah had prayed had done its work, and the land was ready for plowing. The man to whom he was sent was thus engaged. The fact that twelve yoke of oxen were in use indicates that Elisha’s father was a farmer in a large way. Elisha thus turned his back on good prospects when he accepted the call to follow Elijah. This is what God loves to see in those who serve Him. There are many in our day who say they are “out in the work.” This means that they no longer evangelize after office hours, but now devote their whole time to the service. Certainly if their ambition is to go from door to door and from town to town in search for souls, it is well that they should be free from everything else. But, my brethren, what has the step cost you? Have you surrendered something substantial (as men speak) in order to serve the interests of Christ in a needy world? Many years ago a brother in an English town wrote me confidentially for advice. He could not make his shop pay, and he wondered whether the Lord would have him close it, and go forth to preach. What did I think? I replied that the Lord has no use for ne’er-do-wells. A poor grocer would not be likely to make a good preacher. If his business were at the height of prosperity, and he felt the urge of the Gospel, the Lord would be delighted with the sacrifice. A different case was that of a young Englishman who held a good post with fine prospects who had China upon his heart. Just as he was posting his letter of resignation, a notification came froth his employers that he was to be promoted to higher work with a considerable increase of salary! He hesitated not, but posted his letter, and in due course sailed for China. What God wants is men who are ready to tread the path of His beloved Son who “sold all that He had.”
Elisha had nothing to gain as far as this world is concerned by following Elijah. The prophet was a proscribed man, and his life in continual peril. The Lord Jesus warned those who would follow Him that it might involve the loss of everything. Foxes had holes and birds had nests, but the Son of man had nowhere to lay His head (Matt. 8:20). Men called Him Beelzebub; what could His followers expect to be called? (Matt. 10:25). He was going onward to a cross; were His disciples willing to carry one? (Mark 8:34). Paul rejoiced to be treated as the filth of the world, and as the offscouring of all things for Christ’s sake (1 Cor. 4:13). Do we seek ease and honor in the scene of our Lord’s rejection?
It has been said that Elijah was now to be superseded by Elisha. This seems hardly correct. Jehovah still had use for him as subsequent chapters show. But meantime He would teach His servant that the testimony was in no real peril, and He granted him the honor of training the man who should continue it. In the days (or perhaps years) that followed, Elijah had the comfort of Godly companionship. His sense of loneliness had been too much for him, and had bred unbecoming thoughts in his mind. It is written of Elisha that “he poured water on the hands of Elijah” (2 Kings 3:11). Simple imagery, telling us how the younger man refreshed the elder. Paul experienced something of this in the loving ministrations of his son Timothy (Phil. 2:19-22).
We must not leave the subject of God’s seven thousand without marking its application to ourselves in these closing days of the Christian era. Some who will read these pages have taken a definite stand in separation from the growing evils of Christendom. Popery, religious infidelity (“Higher Criticism”), and other forms of disobedience to the Word of God are marching on; and these separated ones abhor them all. This is good. Beware lest you allow discouragement, or anything else, to weaken the stand you have taken. But also beware how you speak of your brethren who (unaccountably to your minds) remain where they are. God knows their hearts; you do not. They are His saints; dear to Him for Jesus’ sake. They cost Him more than you will ever fully understand, and in His own time He will cause them to shine forth in all the divine perfections of His Beloved Son. Speak no ill of them; judge them not. Some of their works, wrought amidst difficulties, are doubtless precious in His sight. It was so even in corrupt Thyatira (Rev. 2:19). It may be that the inconsistences of some professedly separated ones have stumbled them—a most serious consideration which should cause the deepest heart-searching before God.
Elijah blundered in speaking ill of God’s people. Terrible words; “he maketh intercession to God against Israel” (Rom. 11:2). God will never tolerate this in any one. Love them; pray for them, and instruct them in meekness as God may give opportunity (2 Tim. 2:25). A censorious attitude may lead some to say: “No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you” (Job 12:2). The spirit that is characteristic of Philadelphia is delightful to God; let us cultivate it. But a suppositious Philadelphia may easily degenerate into a very real Laodicea!