When Elijah called Elisha to follow him, Elisha knew that his response couldn't be half-hearted or one of convenience. It demanded his all. That's why it is remarkable that Elisha show his commitment by leaving his old life behind. This meant slaughtering his oxen and burning his wooden ploughs. Once he had said, 'Yes' there could be no turning back.
"So Elijah
went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was ploughing with
twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah
went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha
then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. ‘Let me kiss my father and
mother goodbye,’ he said, ‘and then I will come with you.’
‘Go back,’ Elijah replied. ‘What have I done to you?’
So
Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered
them. He burned the ploughing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to
the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became
his servant." - 1 Kings 19:19-21
So, I ask us this question - "When we said YES to Jesus, was there a clear call to leave our old habits and lifestyles behind, or have we still held onto them?"
Thought for the day: Following Jesus requires a sacrifice.
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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