In the midst of tasks, both big and small,
God's voice echoes, a gentle call.
In our duties, let faithfulness never wane,
For in unexpected moments, God's call may rain.
Answer promptly, let not hesitation bind,
God's call is a treasure, precious to find.
Sacrifices may come, as we heed His voice,
Yet in His perfect plan, we'll rejoice.
When we decide to follow, let nothing hold us back,
Wholeheartedly we step forward, on this holy track.
Leaving behind the old, embracing the divine,
In God's service, our lives align.
Living a life of faith, obedience our song,
In generosity we find, where we truly belong.
Committing ourselves fully, in service we stand,
Sharing His blessings, across the land.
REFLECTION:
Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant. (1 Kings 19:21)
God often calls people while they are in the midst of their everyday tasks. We should remain faithful in our current responsibilities, for God can call us at any time.
It is important to answer God’s call promptly and without hesitation. Answering God’s call often involves making sacrifices. When we decide to follow God’s call, we should do so wholeheartedly, leaving behind anything that could potentially hold us back.
Let us live a life of faith, obedience, and generosity, committing ourselves fully to God's service, and sharing His blessings with others.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We acknowledge that You often call us while we are in the midst of our everyday tasks. Help us to remain faithful in our current responsibilities, for we know that You can call us at any time.
Grant us the courage to answer Your call promptly and without hesitation. We understand that answering Your call often involves making sacrifices. When we decide to follow Your call, help us to do so wholeheartedly, leaving behind anything that could potentially hold us back.
Lord, guide us to live a life of faith, obedience, and generosity. We commit ourselves fully to Your service, and we ask for Your grace to share Your blessings with others.
In all things, may Your will be done. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
III: Stories of the Prophets
CALL OF ELISHA
1 Kings 19:19-21
First Reading | 1 Kings 19:19-21
19 Elijah set out, and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. 20 Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?” 21 Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant.
Background:
The verses 1 Kings 19:19-21 describe the call of Elisha to the prophetic ministry to succeed the aging prophet Elijah. This passage is significant as it contains valuable lessons for leadership transition, discipleship, and spiritual ministry.
Elijah found Elisha plowing with twelve pairs of oxen. Elijah passed by him and threw his robe over him, symbolizing his call to prophetic ministry and to be Elijah’s apprentice. This act of throwing the robe was a symbolic gesture of transferring the prophetic office.
Elisha’s response to the call was immediate. He left his oxen, ran after Elijah, and asked for permission to say goodbye to his parents. After receiving Elijah’s assurance, Elisha slaughtered his pair of oxen, cooked the meat over a fire made by burning his plowing equipment, and gave the people meat to eat. This act of Elisha was symbolic of his total commitment to his new calling and his decision to cut ties with his old life.
Elisha’s call teaches us that God’s call demands total commitment. It also shows that God often calls people while they are faithfully performing their current duties. Elisha was called not while he was in a religious setting, but while he was in the field, doing his work.
This story is a reminder that when God calls, it requires a response of complete obedience and surrender, even if it means leaving behind familiar territories and stepping into the unknown1. It’s a testament to Elisha’s faith and his readiness to answer God’s call.
Learning Lessons:
1 Kings 19:19-21 offers several valuable lessons:
Answering God’s Call: Elisha’s immediate response to Elijah’s symbolic gesture of throwing his mantle over him teaches us about the importance of answering God’s call promptly and without hesitation.
Total Commitment: By slaughtering his oxen and burning his plowing equipment, Elisha demonstrated his total commitment to his new calling. This act symbolizes that when we decide to follow God’s call, we should do so wholeheartedly, leaving behind anything that could potentially hold us back.
Faithfulness in Ordinary Duties: Elisha was called by God while he was faithfully performing his ordinary duties. This teaches us that God often calls people while they are in the midst of their everyday tasks. It’s a reminder that we should remain faithful in our current responsibilities, for God can call us at any time.
Sacrifice: Elisha’s decision to leave his livelihood and follow Elijah required significant sacrifice. This underscores the fact that answering God’s call often involves making sacrifices.
Sharing God’s Blessings: After preparing a feast from his oxen, Elisha shared the food with his people. This act of generosity signifies that we are called to share God’s blessings with others.
These lessons from 1 Kings 19:19-21 can inspire us to live a life of faith, obedience, and generosity. They remind us of the importance of being ready to answer God’s call, committing ourselves fully to His service, and sharing His blessings with others.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
