Burning equipment

"And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, 'Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.' And he said to him, 'Go back again, for what have I done to you?'" 1 Kings 19:20

In 1 Kings 19:19-21, we find Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, the number twelfth is a symbol of completeness and the foundation of God's people, indicating Elisha's readiness to embrace his new beginning in ministry. When Elijah passes his mantle to Elisha,  it's a call to a life entirely devoted to God's service. Elisha responds the call by slaughtering the oxen and burning his plowing equipment, a bold declaration of his total commitment. This act of burning bridges, coupled with a feast for his people, signifies a farewell and closure to his old life and responsibilities. Elisha's actions reflect Jesus' words in Matthew 16:24, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.{  Elisha, like future disciples of Christ, demonstrates that following God's call demands not a half-hearted engagement but a full and dedicated heart.

Reflection Question:
Have you ever felt a strong call to a new path in your spiritual journey but found yourself hindered by old ties or fears? Consider reading Matthew 16:24-26 alongside 1 Kings 19:19-21. Reflect on what it truly means to "take up your cross and follow Him.”

Prayer:
Abba Father, just as Elisha left his oxen to follow Elijah's call, help me to lay down my own life to follow You wholeheartedly. I surrender all my ties to the past, my comforts, and my security to embrace the life You have called me to. Grant me the courage and strength to burn the bridges that need to be burned, and to step into Your divine purpose with a fully committed heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.