How does Elisha's immediate response inspire our own readiness to serve God? The Scene at the Plow “So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen, and he was with the twelfth pair. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him.” (1 Kings 19:19) Elisha’s Snap Decision—What Really Happened? • Elijah’s cloak symbolized the prophetic office and God’s call. • Elisha instantly stopped plowing, left the oxen, and—within moments—ran after Elijah (v. 20). • There was no negotiation, no delay, no conditions—just prompt obedience. Why Elisha Could Drop Everything So Quickly 1. Clear recognition of God’s voice behind Elijah’s action (John 10:27). 2. Settled conviction that God’s purposes outrank personal plans (Proverbs 3:5-6). 3. Willingness to pay the cost—he later sacrificed his oxen and burned the plowing equipment (v. 21), cutting every tie to his former life (Luke 14:33). Scriptural Echoes of Immediate Obedience • Peter and Andrew “immediately left their nets and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:19-20) • Matthew rose from the tax booth “and followed Him.” (Luke 5:27-28) • Isaiah: “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) • Jesus: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) Lessons for Our Own Readiness • God’s call may interrupt ordinary routines; faith answers without procrastination. • A decisive break with former securities frees us to serve whole-heartedly. • Readiness flows from prior surrender—settling Lordship issues before the moment comes. • Swift obedience encourages others; Elisha’s action affirmed Elijah’s fading morale (1 Kings 19:14-18). Cultivating the Same Attitude Today • Stay spiritually alert—daily time in the Word tunes the heart to recognize God’s promptings (Psalm 119:105). • Hold possessions and plans loosely; view them as tools, not anchors (1 Timothy 6:7). • Practice small acts of immediate obedience; they train the will for larger steps (Luke 16:10). • Surround yourself with believers who model prompt faith; iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Closing Reflection Elisha shows that when God’s summons arrives, delayed obedience is disobedience. A heart already yielded can drop the plow, run toward God’s purposes, and never look back. |
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