How does Elisha's commitment compare to Jesus' call to "follow Me" in Matthew 4:19? Scripture Foundation “So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen, and he himself was with the twelfth pair. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, ‘Please let me kiss my father and mother, and then I will follow you.’ ‘Go on back,’ Elijah replied, ‘for what have I done to you?’ So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, slaughtered them, and with the oxen’s equipment he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.” “ ‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed Him.” Commitment Displayed by Elisha • Immediate response—he “left the oxen, ran after Elijah.” • Public break with the past—burned the plowing equipment and sacrificed the oxen. • Joyful generosity—fed the community before leaving, turning farewell into celebration. • Lifelong service—“set out to follow and serve Elijah,” accepting years of humble apprenticeship (2 Kings 3:11). Covenantal Echoes in Jesus’ Call • Same urgency—Peter and Andrew “at once…left their nets.” • Same total break—nets stayed on shore, boats abandoned (Luke 5:11). • Same relational transfer—allegiance shifts from family trade to the Messiah’s mission (Mark 3:14). • Same promise—Elisha would inherit Elijah’s mantle; disciples receive authority and Spirit power (Acts 1:8). Common Threads of Total Surrender • Leaving present security (oxen, nets). • Burning bridges to the old life (plow fire; boats left). • Stepping into unknown future on God’s word alone. • Embracing apprenticeship before leadership—Elisha served Elijah; disciples walked with Jesus before being sent. Cost, Consequence, and Reward • Cost: immediate renunciation of livelihood and familial expectations (Luke 14:33). • Consequence: public identity now tied to God’s prophet or to Christ Himself (Matthew 10:32). • Reward: double portion of Elijah’s spirit for Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-15); eternal fruit as “fishers of men” and co-heirs with Christ (John 15:16; Romans 8:17). Application for Today • God still calls for decisive break with competing loyalties; half-measures hinder discipleship (Luke 9:61-62). • Tangible acts—confession, relinquishing unholy habits, generous giving—mirror Elisha’s oxen sacrifice. • Following Christ means apprenticeship: learning His words, imitating His works, trusting His promise to equip (Ephesians 2:10). • The mantle and mission pass to every believer; the same Spirit who empowered Elisha and the apostles empowers us (2 Timothy 1:7). |
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