What can we learn from Elisha's request to "kiss my father and mother"? Setting the Scene • 1 Kings 19:19-21 – Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha. • Elisha “left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, ‘Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.’” (v. 20) Elisha’s Request in Focus • A single, heartfelt desire to honor parents before embarking on a lifelong prophetic mission. • Not procrastination; he “ran after” Elijah first, showing immediate acceptance of the call. What the Request Reveals about Elisha • Honor for parents – Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2. • Balance of duty: he recognizes a higher call yet refuses to neglect basic family love. • Readiness to sever old ties in a godly way—he seeks closure, not delay. Elijah’s Response • “Go on back, for what have I done to you?” (v. 20) – Elijah neither forbids nor discourages; the decision remains Elisha’s, underscoring personal responsibility before God. Actions Speak Louder than Words • v. 21 – Slaughters the oxen, burns the equipment: – Public statement of no return. – Sacrificial feast blesses the community. • Immediate departure to “follow and serve Elijah.” Lessons on Commitment • God’s call demands decisive action—no lingering in indecision. • True commitment may include honoring family ties rather than despising them. • Radically leaving the old life often requires a public, irreversible step. Lessons on Honoring Parents • Obedience to God never excuses dishonoring parents (cf. Mark 7:9-13). • Healthy farewells provide blessing and affirmation for both parties. Balancing Two Biblical Passages • Luke 9:61-62: the man who wanted to “bid farewell” hesitated; Jesus exposes a half-hearted commitment. • Elisha’s case: farewell proceeds with urgency and tangible renunciation; therefore, no conflict with Christ’s standard. Application for Today • When God directs, act promptly yet respectfully toward family. • Burn the “plows” of worldly security—remove fallback options. • Let farewells be testimonies of faith, not excuses for delay. Key Takeaways • Immediate obedience and honoring parents can coexist. • True faith moves forward after closing the past with integrity. • Elisha models wholehearted service: decisive, respectful, irrevocable. |
    |