Burn the oxen

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BURN THE OXEN

So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant. (1 Kings 19:21 NLT)

Elisha did not return to say goodbye to his parents, but to make sure he never has to look back.

1. He killed “his” two oxen. He did away with his tools, so he only had one option: to have success in the ministry or… to have success in the ministry. He wouldn’t have a place to return to when things got difficult in his ministry due to criticism, tiredness, disillusion, betrayal, etc.

2. He celebrated.

3. He fed the town. Ministers live to feed those who are hungry for God. There are still many who are crying out for someone to preach to them. Marriage sin crisis, youth, professionals who want to act with integrity but don’t know how.

4. He served the man of God. Process of maturing. He received encouragement, motivation, correction, etc.

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10)


5. He received the double portion. He grabbed the mantle and struck the water just as his mentor did. People watched him and recognized him as someone who had received the power of God.

Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River.  He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. (2 Kings 2:12-15 NLT)

Think about it:

What things do you need to do away with to assure that you don’t look back?
What point do you need to apply in your life to have success in the calling of God for your life?