Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
1 Kings 19:19
“…he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was the twelfth.”
The drought had been so long that the fields were as hard as asphalt. Finally there had been rain, now there was hope for a new day. Twelve men were plowing; one behind the other, the oldest in front and the youngest in the rear. The last ones had to eat a lot of dust, but that was necessary to break up the ground.
Watching from a distance was the famous preacher. Rumor had it that he was responsible for the long drought and the recent rain. He was tired and ready to pass the mantle to someone else, but the Lord had said, “Not yet.”
He probably would not have stopped to watch these farmers that looked like a long line of laboring ants, but the Lord said one of them would be his successor. He watched and wondered which one was soon to be plowing on even harder ground where seeds are sown in the hearts of people.
The ways of the Lord are hardly ever the same as humans, so why should this time be different? The stronger and wiser ones seem to be near the front, but the preacher already knew, “The last shall be first.” Elijah slowly walked up to the young man and put his mantle on the youthful shoulders of Elisha. Perhaps the younger saw stardust and excitement; after all he was chosen to be the next prophet of the Lord; but Elijah said what he wondered, “What have I done to you?”
To any brother or sister in Christ who is finding it hard plowing today, keep your hands on the plow, and press on. It will not be long, and it will be worth it all.
The hymn says, “I work so hard for Jesus” I often boast and say. “I’ve sacrificed a lot of things to walk the narrow way, I gave up fame and fortune, I’m worth a lot to Thee. And then I hear Him gently say to me, ‘I left the throne of glory and counted it but loss, My hands were nailed in anger upon a cruel cross, But now we’ll make the journey with your hand safe in mine, so lift your cross and follow close to me.
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
“Link to YouTube Video – Follow Me – Music & Lyrics: Ira F Stamphill, 1953
