ASPECTS OF DISCIPLESHIP
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 good-by," 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 attendant. (1 Kings 19:19-20)
To become a Class A member in the PGA of America or the LPGA Teaching and Club Pro Associations, a person first becomes an apprentice studying and learning how to be a club pro and/or teacher. Moving from apprentice to Class A member involves showing an adequate amount of knowledge about the golf business on a test, as well as passing a practical exam. Although this process is done under the mentorship of a current Class A member, it's very much an individual process.
The traditional way of following a rabbi as a disciple is much different than our Western approach to apprenticeship. During the biblical days (and even still today), following a rabbi meant not only traveling and living together, but imitating what he said, how he lived, and how he reacted to everyday life.
This model of discipleship is found in 1 Kings 19 in the relationship between Elijah and Elisha. Elijah was one of Israel's great prophets yet had times when he felt lonely and defeated. After listening to Elijah lament, God instructed him in verse 16 to "anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet." Obeying the Lord, Elijah went and found Elisha.
As Elisha followed Elijah, three qualities of a disciple evidenced in his life are devotion, service, and the willingness to be in relationship.
Elisha gave up everything to follow Elijah; his devotion was real. He sacrificed his oxen, burned the plowing equipment, had a feast, and set out to follow Elijah. He was faithful and even though following was hard, he was committed to learning and transforming his life under Elijah's guidance.
As an apprentice, Elisha served Elijah and attended to his everyday needs. ("He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah." - 2 Kings 3:11) Putting himself in this position of humility, Elisha opened himself to correction that would refine his conduct, his character, and his knowledge.
The relationship Elijah and Elisha experienced was like that of a father and son. It was deep and personal. Following Elijah everywhere was essential to the learning process. It cultivated quality time together, discussing important life issues, and allowed Elisha to learn how Elijah lived and reacted to everyday life.
Jesus gave the great commission to "therefore go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). As we understand and determine to be a disciple like Elisha, we will be able to fulfill this command. As Jesus' disciples, we must stay steadfast in our devotion to Him, serve Him faithfully, and continually grow in our relationship with Him. The result will be lives filled with passion, purpose, and joy.
