Devotional

Responding to the Call: Lessons from Elisha's Commitment

“And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?” — 1 Kings 19:20

Commentary Devotional Prayer

In the bustling world we live in, the concept of being called or choosing to leave behind what is familiar for a greater purpose resonates deeply with many of us. The story of Elisha's calling in 1 Kings 19:20 provides a profound insight into what it means to respond to God’s call, allowing us to reflect and examine our own lives in the process. The verse states, "And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?" This response from Elijah carries significant implications for how we understand our divine assignments.

Elisha’s response to Elijah’s divine calling is pivotal. He had been plowing the fields with twelve yoke of oxen, a sign of wealth and stability in ancient Israel. Yet, he made the decision to leave all of this when called by God through Elijah. This act of leaving behind his agricultural responsibilities signifies his readiness to embrace a new identity and a transformative purpose. In essence, it calls us to recognize the importance of actively responding to God, sometimes even at great personal cost.

The urgency with which Elisha runs after Elijah demonstrates a vibrant faith propelled by divine calling. It sparks an important discussion about the nature of our commitments. Are we willing to leave behind what is known and comfortable in pursuit of God’s will for our lives? Elisha does not hesitate; he does not linger in indecision. Instead, he allows his heart to race towards the prophetic call with a determination that mirrors the risky adventure we are all invited to partake in as followers of Christ.

When Elisha asks to kiss his parents goodbye, we see a poignant moment of respect and love. However, Elijah’s response—"Go back again: for what have I done to thee?"—invites a moment of reflection. It highlights that the urgency of following God's call may at times feel like it contradicts our personal responsibilities. Yet, it is crucial to recognize that God does not call us in a vacuum; He acknowledges our relationships and the nuances of our lives.

Instead of condemnation, Elijah provides Elisha with room to process the weight of his decision. This is significant because it conveys that God values the journey and struggles involved in leaving one’s comfort zone. Following God is not merely a matter of abandoning all that we know; it involves a transition, a movement from one place to another spiritually and emotionally.

Elisha’s ultimate decision, revealed in the verses that follow, to return home, sacrifice the oxen, and celebrate with his family before departing, illustrates a key principle: true commitment to God’s calling encompasses honoring our existing relationships while pursuing His divine purpose. The act of sacrificing the oxen is symbolic—he is not just saying farewell to his past life but physically showing that he is severing ties to that which he would no longer return.

As we consider our own life’s calling today, let us ask ourselves: What oxen do we need to leave behind? What comforts are keeping us from pursuing God’s higher call? Like Elisha, may we be ready to take the bold step of running after what God has for us, even if it means leaving behind the familiar and embracing the uncertainty of His plans.

Moreover, let us also remember that the journey toward our calling will include moments for reflection with our loved ones, moments that afford us the grace to say goodbye. In this devotional reflection on 1 Kings 19:20, may we find inspiration and courage to faithfully embark on the path laid out before us, knowing that each step toward our God-given destiny is a step into His goodness and grace.

Get our apps

Bible Art

Scripture illustrations

Bible Chat

Scripture study companion

Bible Widget

Daily verses

Bible For Women

Faith & encouragement

Artwork for 1 Kings 19:20

1 Kings 19:20 - "And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?"

"And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?" - 1 Kings 19:20