Servants First

1 Kings 19:19–21 (NIV)

"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 goodbye,' 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 servant."

Have you ever noticed how often in Scripture… God calls someone, and instead of placing them in a position of leadership right away… He places them in a position of service?

We see it so clearly in 1 Kings 19.

Elijah has just walked through exhaustion, fear, and restoration. And then God calls Elisha.

And Elisha's response is striking.

He doesn't hesitate. He doesn't negotiate. He doesn't ask for a plan. He returns home… He takes the very oxen that represent his livelihood… He sacrifices them… He burns the plow… And then he follows Elijah.

But here's what's easy to miss. He doesn't step into a leadership role right away. Scripture says… "He became his servant."

Before Elisha ever speaks as a prophet… Before miracles… Before influence… He serves.

And this is not just Elisha's story. This is God's pattern. Joshua served Moses. David served before he was king. The disciples followed and served before they were sent. And even Jesus said… "I did not come to be served, but to serve."

In God's Kingdom, serving is not a lesser role. It is the forming place. It's where God shapes humility. It's where He builds faithfulness. It's where He teaches us to depend on Him, not position.

Because leadership in God's Kingdom doesn't begin on a platform. It begins in quiet obedience. In showing up. In caring for others. In doing what no one else sees.

And maybe today… the question isn't, "When will I lead?" Maybe the question is, "Am I willing to serve… even if no one notices?"

Because the truth is… God develops the heart in serving before He reveals the calling in leading.

So wherever you are today— in the quiet, unseen places… Be encouraged. God is not overlooking you. He is preparing you.

Prayer

Lord, teach us to serve with a willing and humble hearts. Help us to be faithful in the small things, and to trust that You are working even when we cannot see it. Shape us in the hidden places, so that we may reflect You in whatever You call us to. Amen.

This devotional was written by Marcia Prill and read by Judy Wilson.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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