“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.”
– 1 Kings 19:21
 Yesterday, I talked about the dreams of young Elisha to serve God. One day, while he was plowing the field and preparing to sow some seed, a famous prophet suddenly appeared. This powerful and intimidating figure was Elijah. Elisha recognized him immediately in his spirit. Elijah, the elder prophet, said to Elisha, “Follow me.” Without hesitation, Elisha, like the disciples of Jesus, didn’t ask any questions, fill out an application, or get his credit checked; he simply followed.
Right there on the spot, he takes his plow, which is made of wood, and chops it up into firewood. This is likely his most valuable tool. Just so you know, this is during the Bronze Age, a time when people lived to an average age of only 33, making it a dangerous period. So, he dismantles his plow into pieces of wood, slaughters all of his oxen, and gathers the town together to throw a huge party. He basically stages what we would think of as a big Texas barbecue. Friend, this serves as an example for both you and me. Elisha begins his ministry with a significant act of sacrifice and generosity. He burns his ships, symbolically abandoning everything and eliminating any exit plans. He has nothing to return to. This reminds me of the old hymn, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” which echoes the sentiment of no turning back, no turning back. They have become like Jesus and one of His disciples. This illustrates that within your purpose, God will reveal to you the people you need to connect with in order to fulfill that purpose. |
Prayer
Father, please guide me to surround myself with people who will help me to fulfill my purpose.
Reflection
Are you ready to follow the Lord as you pursue your purpose without looking back?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power online at hourofpower.org/episode.
