In what ways can we "leave the oxen" to follow God's purpose today? Setting the Scene “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. So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, ‘Please let me kiss my father and mother, and then I will follow you.’… Then he arose and followed Elijah and became his servant.” (1 Kings 19:19-21) What It Meant Then • Plowing represented Elisha’s livelihood, security, and identity. • Leaving the oxen signified decisive, public break with the old life. • Burning the plow and slaughtering the oxen (v. 21) declared “no turning back.” Bridging to Today God still calls His people to radical availability. Elisha’s response models wholehearted surrender—trading the familiar for God’s greater purpose. Practical Ways to Leave the Oxen Today • Career Re-alignment – Yield promotions, positions, or business models that conflict with biblical convictions (Colossians 3:23-24). – Accept roles that advance gospel influence even if they pay less. • Financial Re-prioritizing – Redirect resources toward kingdom work rather than accumulating more (Matthew 6:19-21). – Cancel subscriptions or sell assets that drain generosity. • Relational Obedience – End dating relationships that compromise purity (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). – Forgive offenses promptly, refusing the “security” of resentment (Ephesians 4:32). • Lifestyle Shifts – Downsize schedules to create space for discipling others (2 Timothy 2:2). – Turn off entertainment that dulls spiritual appetite, replacing it with Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11). • Risking Comfort for Mission – Join short-term or long-term outreach, leaving familiar culture (Acts 13:2-3). – Speak Christ’s name in the workplace despite potential backlash (2 Timothy 1:8). • Sacrificial Service – Volunteer in unseen church tasks, trusting God’s reward (Matthew 6:4). – Foster or adopt, investing love and resources into vulnerable lives (James 1:27). Encouragement from Scripture • “Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:20) • “I count everything as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) • “Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles.” (Hebrews 12:1) Steps to Take This Week 1. Ask the Spirit to spotlight one “ox” hindering obedience. 2. Write it down; compare it to God’s revealed will in Scripture. 3. Make a concrete plan—timeline, accountability partner, practical action. 4. Celebrate God’s faithfulness every step, just as Elisha feasted before stepping out. Promises God Gives • “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25) • “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things… you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) Leaving the oxen is costly, yet the harvest of obedience is eternal. |
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