Introduction:

TV shows like American Idol, The Apprentice, and many others have found their niche in American life. They just won't go away, no matter how much I want them to. I am not a real big fan of these shows.

But I do get a little nostalgic when think about Star Search, the hit TV show of the 80's. As a kid I sat in front of the TV watching Ed McMahon catapult young talent into stardom - Brittany Spears, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Ray Romano, and Sinbad. Those were the good old days of reality TV.

Searching for the next big thing is a favorite American pastime. Our Scripture lesson for today urges us to carry out a search. God encourages us to search out those who will be the next generation of gospel preachers and teachers. We will call it "Search for Elisha!"

It is vital that we look for those who will be the called workers of the future.

Search for Elisha,

I.Elijah struggled as God's spokesperson. King Ahab wanted him dead, so Elijah ran away. He also had the great showdown with the prophets Baal. He won, but of course, then Queen Jezebel wanted him dead and he had to run away again. Then Elijah fell into despair about his ministry. He felt like a failure. He wanted God to take him. And we think we have it bad!

Elijah definitely felt he had it bad. He ran away, hid in a cave, and pouted. Instead of allowing Elijah to sulk though, God sent his Word of salvation to the prophet. The mighty Word of God, however, did not come to Elijah in the powerful wind, or the earthquake, or the fire. Rather the Word came to the prophet in a gentle whisper. The King James translates it as a "still small voice."

The Word still comes to us today in that "still small voice" from God. Our personal idolatries are no less offensive to God than Jezebel kneeling down and kissing the feet of Baal. We have placed ridiculous things above God in our lives - lusts of our heart, money, toys, pleasure, etc. We have chased after these idols like slobbering dogs. And what for? In the end, it is only for our eternal damnation. Every time we sin, we place something above God. We make that sin our idol. We deserve the Lord's angry wrath delivered to us in a terrible wind, a great earthquake, and a devastating fire.

God instead comes near to us in a still small voice. That still small voice is God's Word of salvation. That Word of salvation came near to us in Christ. God, himself, came quietly to us and was placed in a manger by Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. The Word became flesh.

In that little child, the world had its hope of salvation. Jesus would not disappoint. The still small voice grew quietly in the town of Nazareth. He remained flawless and thus fulfilled the Father's requirement of perfection. And then on the cross, the Living Word of salvation, Christ Jesus, breathed his last breath and gave up his life for the sins of the world. The Word became flesh to redeem us with his blood and make us God's children.

The Word of salvation came quietly to Elijah. The Word of salvation came quietly in Bethlehem. But in both cases, that Word came with stunning power forgiving sins and offering eternal life. That still small voice speaks to you today with the same stunning power. It says to you, "Jesus forgives you all your sins. Believe in him and be saved."

That powerful voice of God brought 7000 of Elijah's countrymen to faith. The powerful voice, the sweet gospel message, is still working faith today in the hearts of people everywhere, including here. That is why it is so important to search for Elisha, because God has provided his Word of salvation for a desperate world.

II. God not only provides the Word of salvation for a desperate world, but he also raises up people to public ministry. Those men and women carry the message to a desperate world.

In this Scripture lesson, God specifically directed the prophet Elijah to anoint his successor as prophet. "Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet." Elisha was to take over for Elijah as God's spokesman.

God's people were exceptionally vulnerable to attack. The government sanctioned idol worship. The king and queen wanted God's prophets dead. Detestable sin was commonplace. God's people were falling into sin. Their consciences were troubled. They needed relief.

Christians in our world today need help too. God's people are extremely vulnerable to attack. There are many who hate God and will persecute believers. We are falling into sin daily. Our consciences become troubled. We need relief. People need to know that there is forgiveness and salvation in Christ Jesus. This message must be proclaimed.

That is why public ministry is so vital. That is why we need pastors and teachers. We need men and women to proclaim the gospel everyday to persecuted and vulnerable sinners who need relief. There is no time for us to hide in caves. Go find Elisha!

Elisha's call into public ministry came through the church, which was represented by Elijah. "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." Imagine the encouragement that Elijah must have felt when Elisha immediately agreed to go with him. No one takes the privilege of public ministry upon himself. It comes through the church which calls pastors, teachers, and staff ministers. God has not revealed to us the names of future pastors or teachers. But look around you. Look at your sons and daughters. Look at our young people. God has charged us to "Search for Elisha!" Heed the command given us in the words of 2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."

III. Search for Elisha, the next proclaimer of the peace of Christ. Search - knowing that it is God who provides the willingness and ability for ministry. Elisha responded to his call with remarkable willingness. In spite of the difficult times, Elisha gave up his considerable wealth. He broke his family ties. He did this to serve the Lord.

Let us never discourage young people away from public ministry because times are tough. It costs a lot to become a pastor or teacher. It may cost some young men 60 to 70 thousand dollars to become a pastor. But the cost is not just measured in dollars. Pastors and teachers often leave behind their families and friends. They go where God sends them without question. Pastor and teachers often serve in difficult places with difficult people. We live in tough times, but may we never discourage young people from ministry. It is not about us or this world. It is about souls and heaven.

Handling the Word of God is a vital, privileged, and special task. Those who administer the gospel full-time can be celebrated and honored. It is necessary and fitting to hold pastors and teachers in high regard before the eyes of our young people.

Elisha's ministry began after a time of training with the prophet Elijah. We must not neglect the training of our young people. Places like Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Martin Luther College, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary need our prayers and financial support as they train young people for ministry.

I went to these schools. Through many doubts and worries I made it through the system, purely by the grace of God. And along the way, God provided different Elijah's to encourage me. These men were deans, professors, and coaches. These men didn't have a name like Elijah, but they had names like Brenner, Lawrenz, Hill, Eickman, Valleskey, and Dietrich. At the heart of our schools are pastors and teachers who are teaching and encouraging future pastors and teachers.

These schools are so important because they give room for the Word of God to nurture spiritual growth in young men and women who are preparing for ministry. Let none be lost from ministry because they didn't have all the information, or they felt unworthy, or they failed to appreciate their faith.

America can't wait to discover the big thing. Let us put the proper emphasis on searching for the next preacher or teacher of God's Word. As a congregation and as individuals let us support the work of schools and encourage young people toward public ministry. The Word will go on. Amen.