The prophet is never popular. His name is honored in heaven. And his name is feared in hell. But while he walks through this wilderness, God's Elisha is always mocked by the children of Belial. There are few candidates for Elijah's mantle. His path is always lonely and hard. Misunderstood by friends and misrepresented by foes, he is not turned to the right hand or the left. He is undeterred and unbending.
Like John the Baptist the prophet is out to pull down the high places, build up low places and make a way for the Lord. His business is not interpretation but application. He does not lecture on mustard, he makes a mustard poultice and lays it next to the trouble. Others may comfort when afflicted, but he must afflict the comfortable. We are trying to accomplish now by pep, publicity, propaganda, and promotion what once was done by preaching. The woods are full of trained personnel, but none of these things can save us if the prophets disappear.
Any young Elisha in line for Elijah's mantle will need the mind of a scholar, the heart of a child, and the hide of a rhinoceros. He may irk those who like to preserve the status quo, for he is a disturber of Israel, but no one else can take his place. There is not much prospect as to pay, promotion, or prestige. But there has always been “yet one man” who will scorn the hatred of Ahab and seek the honor of God. — The prophet is God's messenger to men.
• What an honor!
• What a responsibility!
• What a burden!