Fully Committed

In 2022, I used my daily devotional time to find Bible passages that I had not studied before — ones that were unmarked by my highlighter or pen. Most mornings that year I spent time in the Old Testament and gained a new appreciation for the stories and the people found there, including the call of Elisha in today’s scripture reading.

When called by Elijah, Elisha slaughtered his oxen, which provided the people with a feast, a type of going-away party for Elisha. More important, it proved Elisha’s commitment. To cook the meal, Elisha burned his plowing equipment. In doing so, there was no chance of Elisha’s returning to what he used to do or who he used to be. Elisha was fully committed to following and assisting Elijah.

To be faithful to God we must deny ourselves (see Lk. 9:23), and in Elisha we find a beautiful example of such sacrifice. Giving up old habits or turning from destructive ways can be difficult. It may mean getting help for an addiction or cutting ties with people who hinder our walk with God. Although it can be painful or uncomfortable to give up certain aspects of our lives, the closer relationship with God that we gain as a result is invaluable and incomparable.