Burn the Plow

We live in a culture where options are celebrated, and commitments are often delayed. But in God’s Kingdom, discipleship is a call to leave behind comfort and pursue a higher purpose. In 1 Kings 19, we see a striking moment of transition: Elijah, freshly restored by God, is instructed to pass on his prophetic mantle. He finds Elisha, a young man working the fields with twelve yoke of oxen, and extends the invitation to follow God in a new and radical way. Elisha’s response? He burns the plow, sacrifices the oxen, and follows Elijah, no turning back.

Elijah’s obedience to God’s whisper led him directly to Elisha, a young adult with a comfortable life and a promising future. But everything changes when Elijah casts his cloak, a symbol of spiritual authority and calling, over Elisha’s shoulders. Elisha understands this isn’t just a career move; it’s a divine summons. He doesn’t hesitate long. He honors his family, then destroys the tools of his old life, throwing a farewell feast before walking into the unknown as a servant and student.

This story mirrors the calling of Jesus’ disciples. Like Elijah, Jesus called ordinary people into an extraordinary purpose. He invited them not just to believe, but to follow. And like Elisha, they left behind jobs, security, and reputation for something greater. Elisha’s response teaches us that true discipleship means going “all in.” There is no backup plan in the Kingdom of God—only faith, surrender, and the courage to follow.

God is still calling people today—young and old—to become disciples who make disciples. That calling may begin with a whisper, a conversation, or an invitation to serve. But every call requires a response. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting to explore faith, God may be highlighting someone for you to invest in—or calling you to follow more closely yourself.  Spend some time praying about who God might call you to invest in.

As a church, we’re leaning into the call to raise the next generation. This means not just offering programs but modeling the life of a disciple: prayerful, obedient, sacrificial, and full of joy. Like Elisha, we’re invited to burn the plow and follow the call. The reward isn’t status or success—it’s life with Jesus, now and forever.

Lord, thank You for calling us out of comfort and into purpose. Help us to hear Your voice and respond with boldness, surrender, and joy. Show us who we’re called to follow and who we’re called to invest in. May we live as true disciples, letting go of what holds us back so we can fully embrace life with You. Amen.