The Commitment of Elisha to his Prophetic Calling

What did Elisha want to do before he left with Elijah?

Elisha's Preparation for his New Calling

Elisha was a farmer who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen when the prophet Elijah called him to be his apprentice. Despite being caught off guard by this unexpected encounter, Elisha's response showcased his readiness to leave his old life behind and embark on a new journey in service to God.

Before Elisha left with Elijah, he expressed his desire to bid farewell to his parents. This act of showing respect and seeking blessing from his family before embarking on his new path demonstrated Elisha's commitment to honoring his roots while moving forward in faith.

In addition to saying goodbye to his parents, Elisha took a bold step to signify his complete dedication to his new prophetic calling. He slaughtered his oxen, the very tools of his trade, and used their meat to provide a feast for his community. By destroying his plowing equipment and sharing the meat with others, Elisha symbolically severed ties with his past occupation and embraced his future as a prophet.

This act of sacrificing the oxen and sharing the meat also highlighted Elisha's generosity and willingness to serve others. Instead of hoarding the resources for himself, he chose to use them to bring joy and sustenance to those around him, embodying the values of selflessness and compassion that would define his ministry in the days to come.

In conclusion, Elisha's actions before leaving with Elijah underscored his unwavering commitment to following God's call on his life. By prioritizing respect for his family, sacrificing his livelihood, and sharing his blessings with the community, Elisha set a powerful example of faith, obedience, and dedication for all who would follow in his footsteps.