2026 1 Kings 19-2, Burn The Plows For Something Greater
Special
Author
Admin
Date
2026-02-08 15:38
Views
74
Burn The Plows For Something Greater
1 Kings 19:19-21
A small bird was building a nest on a poplar tree in a windy and rainy day. The nest painstakingly built by the bird collapsed by a sudden gust. All the effort of the bird went up in smoke. Yet, the bird kept repeating building a nest. Why does the bird build a nest in bad weather? Why not on a sunny day? The bird instinctively knows that it must be built on a windy day to test whether it can withstand inclement weather or not. Otherwise, the nest would collapse by a sudden gust killing its chicks. The same goes for us. If we pursue an easy life, we would collapse by a gust.
Life has two paths: the pursuit of comfort or a mission. If we pursue comfort, we will crumble in an unexpected gust. If we pursue a mission, though it is not easy, we will remain strong before any kind of gusts (hardships, temptations and success). Jesus says “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness.” Is it an easy life? But it gives us a clear life direction and rewards.
Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul says that he has a higher calling from God, running toward the goal. There are two advantages in this life. First, life direction is correct and clear. Many people work hard, but their efforts end in either destruction or emptiness because of wrong direction and wrong goal. Second, there is imperishable reward. Many people run for perishable rewards. How pathetic! Everything perishes. We are to live for eternal value and reward.
The value of life is not in length but weight. The question should be changed from, "At what age did he pass away?" to "What mission did he fulfill?" Well, after making money, travelling here and there and eating delicious food, he died. It's embarrassing. “Yes, he died fulfilling the mission from God.”
Jesus died at 33, saying, "It is finished." He served the mission of saving the world and entered eternal glory as the Lord and King. Some people live up to 100 years but fall into eternal punishment without knowing why they live.
Paul died when he was around 65 years. It wasn't that long, but he lived such an impactful life. He says, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24) I hope you all live a life not by length but weight. Live a purpose driven and mission centered life. Elisha lived this kind of life. For it, he had three things.
First, Invitation
In man’s life, there is an invitation from above. Elisha didn't approach God on his own initiative. God called him through Elijah. Verse 19 says, “So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him.” This is God’s invitation to Elisha.
Folks, know that God calls you three times in your life. Number one, “Where are you?” This is for your salvation. Number two, “Follow me to be Jesus’ disciple.” This is for mission. Number three, “Come and make an account of your life.” This is when you die.
Today’s passage is number two for mission. It is to save souls. The purpose of Jesus' coming and the purpose of the church's are the salvation of souls. God calls you during worship or Bible study. If you respond to His calling, your true life begins. Now, how do you know God has called you for his purpose?
If you don't care about the salvation and judgment of others, you don't have a calling from God. If you have a desire to pray for man’s soul, if you have a heart to lead people to God and church, this is God's calling to you. Then, design your time, money and career toward serving God's calling. "Look, that guy is strange. He doesn't think or plan about going to ski or a concert or travelling. Instead, he goes to worship, pray and Bible study and Bible retreats." Then you're living a a mission-centered, purpose-driving life and a solid life. Or, if you live a life of having fun going here and there, I am sorry to tell you but nothing about what you do is recorded in God's book.
So, live according to God’s calling. And know the reward of mission centered life. 1 Peter 5:4 says, “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” Folks, you might think you are doing something worthwhile right now. But, know that a truly precious life is dedicating yourself to the salvation of souls. Live this life. Study and work hard and make money for it. This is a great blessing for man. Elisha received this calling. Have you received a calling from God? I see that some of you have God’s calling for this purpose. I pray that all of you have this calling from God.
Second, response with determination
Elijah threw his cloak around him. The ‘cloak’ symbolizes one’s status. It means, “Elisha, fulfill your prophetic duty.” It is like Jesus who called a few young men, “Follow me, I will make you into fishers of man.”
Look at verse 20. “Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah.” Very surprising! When he was called, he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair.
At that time, an ox is now like a farm tractor. Elisha was operating 24 tractors! So, he must have been a son of a wealthy family. Still, he himself was working on the field. God called such a wealthy young man busily doing his business. Would such a rich and busy young man commit? "Oh, Thank you for calling me sir, but I'm busy working. I need to expand my business and buy more land and tractors."
Elisha's time was a turbulent time of war and idolatry. Aram was attacking Israel from the north, and Baal worship was rampant. In such times, responding to God's calling as a prophet would not easy. It wouldn’t be easy for Elisha, young, wealthy and busy to respond to God's call.
However, he accepted God’s calling. And he asked for one thing. Look at verse 20. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” Was Elijah upset? “You don’t deserve God’s calling.” No. Elijah replied, “Go back. What have I done to you?” Elijah did not force him to accept God’s calling. “It is your decision and responsibility.”
Some parents are not happy for their children to devote themselves to the Lord. The parents of a Harvard graduate came to see their pastor. “Sir, my son is insane. He gave up his lucrative and honorary position to go to a remote land as a missionary. Please stop him!” The parents are Christians but have Esau’s philosophy.
How about Elisha? Look at verse 21. “So Elisha left him and went back.” We are not sure whether his parents were willing to send him or not. But he determined to accept God’s calling. And he made a history and saved so many souls in his generation.
Verse 21b says, “He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate.” What does this mean? He blocked the escape route. He burned his bridges. It was his determination, “No turning back.” Remarkable! In the age of no devotion, the rich young man, Elisha resolved to commit himself to God’s calling because he knew the value of God’s calling.
In 1519, Hernán Cortés landed in Mexico with 11 ships and 500 soldiers to conquer the Aztec Empire. Upon arrival, 500 soldiers, fearful by the adverse circumstances, protested to return to their Cuban headquarter. At that time, Cortes said, "Burn all ships!" With the spirit of ‘no turning back,’ they conquered the land. Even in the world of the survival of the fittest, some people burn their ships to achieve their wild ambitions. How about we called to do the good work of saving souls!
There's a saying, "A man with two arrows can't defeat a man with one." Do you like to have two arrows or many arrows? “Though I miss the target, I have another arrow.” It's about keeping a second alternative. No. power doesn't come from having second option or many options. We have only one arrow. "I have only Jesus and His mission. There's no way back and there is no other option."
I hope you all live like this. In Genesis 19, an angel of God warned Lot facing impending judgment, “Don’t look back.” However, Lot’s wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt.
Elisha’s burned the plowing equipment is akin to Abraham offering his only son, Isaac, to God. It was his confession, "I put God and his mission first. I love Him more than fame, money or career.” When you love God more than anything else, you can love your family and neighbors too. Before you marry, see whether that person’s priority is God. Such a person will never betray you.
In Luke 18, a rich young man came to Jesus. "Teacher, what must I do to enter the kingdom of heaven?" His spiritual desire was great. Jesus replied, "Keep the commandments." "I have kept them all." “You lack one thing: sell all you have, give them to the poor and follow me." Then he left Jesus in sorrow because he loved money. He came to Jesus for eternal life. But what he loved most was money. "Give all your property to the poor and follow me" doesn't mean "live a poor life or don't have a job." It means to put Jesus first. But to this young rich, money was his number one priority. So, when Jesus called him, he became very sad and left. The word, ‘left’ means, "he never returned to Jesus again." He made money as the first value. He was destroyed. Is this only his story? You have something you love more than Jesus, aren’t you? That is your enemy. Though you may have spiritual desire for Bible study and worship, if you can’t let go of it, there will be no reward at the end of your life. When you love Jesus more than anything else in the world, the kingdom of God is restored in you. That is Elisha’s determination.
When called, Elisha bade a farewell to his parents and his stable career. We need this attitude too. It would be painful and even frightening. At that time, however, we can truly rely on God for his good purpose.
Do you know you are like a vessel? The Bible compares man to a vessel. To be used, a vessel must be empty and clean. When God calls you for his purpose, you must be empty and clean. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 says, “In a large house there are articles of gold, silver, wood and clay. Those who cleanse themselves will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
God uses all kinds of vessels as long as they are empty and clean. We are too sensitive to materials and try to decorate ourselves to become gold or silver with good career or worldly recognition. Don't worry about what kind of vessel you are. Some look like gold with gorgeous outer appearance, career or wealth. Some look like clay with little or nothing. However, the Bible doesn't argue about materials. The question is, “Have you emptied your human ambition? Have you repented and forgiven by the blood of Jesus?” Then you will be used by God preciously.
Third, power
Another meaning of cloak is power. 2 Kings 2:8 says, “Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.” Elisha took Elijah's cloak. Then the power of heaven was transferred to him. When we respond to God’s calling to do the work of saving souls, power is given to us from God. That is the Holy Spirit. You will be clothed in the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.”
Are you praying for security? That is fine. But go to one step further. Pray to be clothed with the power of God. But know that this power is not miracle making power. God provides you for things you need to carry out the mission. To save souls, when you need a job or money or health or marriage, ask them. God will surely provide it to you. Philippians 4:19 says, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
God called Elisha. This is the ‘one-man vision.’ Don't look at the world and lament, "Oh, there are many gorgeous people who are ahead of me. And there are so few who is committed to God." That's why Elijah fell into depression. But God said to Elijah, "Elijah, though nobody cares my purpose, at least would you devote yourself for my purpose?” This is why God called Elisha. When one person rises with faith and vision, salvation flows to their family and society. If there's a Elisha in a family where no one believes, the family will be saved through him or her. If there's a Elisha on this campus, countless souls will be saved. That's why I do one-on-one Bible study with student praying to meet Elisha in this generation. I hope you all become Elisha. Salvation begins through one person, through you and me. This is the one-man vision. Jesus was not interested in the crowd. Instead, Jesus called one by one. He called Paul who did all in his generation and Elisha too. I want you to become another Paul and another Elisha. Be that one person who saves many souls. Expect and receive overwhelming grace from God and live a powerful life.
1 Kings 19:19-21
A small bird was building a nest on a poplar tree in a windy and rainy day. The nest painstakingly built by the bird collapsed by a sudden gust. All the effort of the bird went up in smoke. Yet, the bird kept repeating building a nest. Why does the bird build a nest in bad weather? Why not on a sunny day? The bird instinctively knows that it must be built on a windy day to test whether it can withstand inclement weather or not. Otherwise, the nest would collapse by a sudden gust killing its chicks. The same goes for us. If we pursue an easy life, we would collapse by a gust.
Life has two paths: the pursuit of comfort or a mission. If we pursue comfort, we will crumble in an unexpected gust. If we pursue a mission, though it is not easy, we will remain strong before any kind of gusts (hardships, temptations and success). Jesus says “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness.” Is it an easy life? But it gives us a clear life direction and rewards.
Philippians 3:14 says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul says that he has a higher calling from God, running toward the goal. There are two advantages in this life. First, life direction is correct and clear. Many people work hard, but their efforts end in either destruction or emptiness because of wrong direction and wrong goal. Second, there is imperishable reward. Many people run for perishable rewards. How pathetic! Everything perishes. We are to live for eternal value and reward.
The value of life is not in length but weight. The question should be changed from, "At what age did he pass away?" to "What mission did he fulfill?" Well, after making money, travelling here and there and eating delicious food, he died. It's embarrassing. “Yes, he died fulfilling the mission from God.”
Jesus died at 33, saying, "It is finished." He served the mission of saving the world and entered eternal glory as the Lord and King. Some people live up to 100 years but fall into eternal punishment without knowing why they live.
Paul died when he was around 65 years. It wasn't that long, but he lived such an impactful life. He says, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24) I hope you all live a life not by length but weight. Live a purpose driven and mission centered life. Elisha lived this kind of life. For it, he had three things.
First, Invitation
In man’s life, there is an invitation from above. Elisha didn't approach God on his own initiative. God called him through Elijah. Verse 19 says, “So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him.” This is God’s invitation to Elisha.
Folks, know that God calls you three times in your life. Number one, “Where are you?” This is for your salvation. Number two, “Follow me to be Jesus’ disciple.” This is for mission. Number three, “Come and make an account of your life.” This is when you die.
Today’s passage is number two for mission. It is to save souls. The purpose of Jesus' coming and the purpose of the church's are the salvation of souls. God calls you during worship or Bible study. If you respond to His calling, your true life begins. Now, how do you know God has called you for his purpose?
If you don't care about the salvation and judgment of others, you don't have a calling from God. If you have a desire to pray for man’s soul, if you have a heart to lead people to God and church, this is God's calling to you. Then, design your time, money and career toward serving God's calling. "Look, that guy is strange. He doesn't think or plan about going to ski or a concert or travelling. Instead, he goes to worship, pray and Bible study and Bible retreats." Then you're living a a mission-centered, purpose-driving life and a solid life. Or, if you live a life of having fun going here and there, I am sorry to tell you but nothing about what you do is recorded in God's book.
So, live according to God’s calling. And know the reward of mission centered life. 1 Peter 5:4 says, “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” Folks, you might think you are doing something worthwhile right now. But, know that a truly precious life is dedicating yourself to the salvation of souls. Live this life. Study and work hard and make money for it. This is a great blessing for man. Elisha received this calling. Have you received a calling from God? I see that some of you have God’s calling for this purpose. I pray that all of you have this calling from God.
Second, response with determination
Elijah threw his cloak around him. The ‘cloak’ symbolizes one’s status. It means, “Elisha, fulfill your prophetic duty.” It is like Jesus who called a few young men, “Follow me, I will make you into fishers of man.”
Look at verse 20. “Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah.” Very surprising! When he was called, he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair.
At that time, an ox is now like a farm tractor. Elisha was operating 24 tractors! So, he must have been a son of a wealthy family. Still, he himself was working on the field. God called such a wealthy young man busily doing his business. Would such a rich and busy young man commit? "Oh, Thank you for calling me sir, but I'm busy working. I need to expand my business and buy more land and tractors."
Elisha's time was a turbulent time of war and idolatry. Aram was attacking Israel from the north, and Baal worship was rampant. In such times, responding to God's calling as a prophet would not easy. It wouldn’t be easy for Elisha, young, wealthy and busy to respond to God's call.
However, he accepted God’s calling. And he asked for one thing. Look at verse 20. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” Was Elijah upset? “You don’t deserve God’s calling.” No. Elijah replied, “Go back. What have I done to you?” Elijah did not force him to accept God’s calling. “It is your decision and responsibility.”
Some parents are not happy for their children to devote themselves to the Lord. The parents of a Harvard graduate came to see their pastor. “Sir, my son is insane. He gave up his lucrative and honorary position to go to a remote land as a missionary. Please stop him!” The parents are Christians but have Esau’s philosophy.
How about Elisha? Look at verse 21. “So Elisha left him and went back.” We are not sure whether his parents were willing to send him or not. But he determined to accept God’s calling. And he made a history and saved so many souls in his generation.
Verse 21b says, “He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate.” What does this mean? He blocked the escape route. He burned his bridges. It was his determination, “No turning back.” Remarkable! In the age of no devotion, the rich young man, Elisha resolved to commit himself to God’s calling because he knew the value of God’s calling.
In 1519, Hernán Cortés landed in Mexico with 11 ships and 500 soldiers to conquer the Aztec Empire. Upon arrival, 500 soldiers, fearful by the adverse circumstances, protested to return to their Cuban headquarter. At that time, Cortes said, "Burn all ships!" With the spirit of ‘no turning back,’ they conquered the land. Even in the world of the survival of the fittest, some people burn their ships to achieve their wild ambitions. How about we called to do the good work of saving souls!
There's a saying, "A man with two arrows can't defeat a man with one." Do you like to have two arrows or many arrows? “Though I miss the target, I have another arrow.” It's about keeping a second alternative. No. power doesn't come from having second option or many options. We have only one arrow. "I have only Jesus and His mission. There's no way back and there is no other option."
I hope you all live like this. In Genesis 19, an angel of God warned Lot facing impending judgment, “Don’t look back.” However, Lot’s wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt.
Elisha’s burned the plowing equipment is akin to Abraham offering his only son, Isaac, to God. It was his confession, "I put God and his mission first. I love Him more than fame, money or career.” When you love God more than anything else, you can love your family and neighbors too. Before you marry, see whether that person’s priority is God. Such a person will never betray you.
In Luke 18, a rich young man came to Jesus. "Teacher, what must I do to enter the kingdom of heaven?" His spiritual desire was great. Jesus replied, "Keep the commandments." "I have kept them all." “You lack one thing: sell all you have, give them to the poor and follow me." Then he left Jesus in sorrow because he loved money. He came to Jesus for eternal life. But what he loved most was money. "Give all your property to the poor and follow me" doesn't mean "live a poor life or don't have a job." It means to put Jesus first. But to this young rich, money was his number one priority. So, when Jesus called him, he became very sad and left. The word, ‘left’ means, "he never returned to Jesus again." He made money as the first value. He was destroyed. Is this only his story? You have something you love more than Jesus, aren’t you? That is your enemy. Though you may have spiritual desire for Bible study and worship, if you can’t let go of it, there will be no reward at the end of your life. When you love Jesus more than anything else in the world, the kingdom of God is restored in you. That is Elisha’s determination.
When called, Elisha bade a farewell to his parents and his stable career. We need this attitude too. It would be painful and even frightening. At that time, however, we can truly rely on God for his good purpose.
Do you know you are like a vessel? The Bible compares man to a vessel. To be used, a vessel must be empty and clean. When God calls you for his purpose, you must be empty and clean. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 says, “In a large house there are articles of gold, silver, wood and clay. Those who cleanse themselves will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
God uses all kinds of vessels as long as they are empty and clean. We are too sensitive to materials and try to decorate ourselves to become gold or silver with good career or worldly recognition. Don't worry about what kind of vessel you are. Some look like gold with gorgeous outer appearance, career or wealth. Some look like clay with little or nothing. However, the Bible doesn't argue about materials. The question is, “Have you emptied your human ambition? Have you repented and forgiven by the blood of Jesus?” Then you will be used by God preciously.
Third, power
Another meaning of cloak is power. 2 Kings 2:8 says, “Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.” Elisha took Elijah's cloak. Then the power of heaven was transferred to him. When we respond to God’s calling to do the work of saving souls, power is given to us from God. That is the Holy Spirit. You will be clothed in the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.”
Are you praying for security? That is fine. But go to one step further. Pray to be clothed with the power of God. But know that this power is not miracle making power. God provides you for things you need to carry out the mission. To save souls, when you need a job or money or health or marriage, ask them. God will surely provide it to you. Philippians 4:19 says, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
God called Elisha. This is the ‘one-man vision.’ Don't look at the world and lament, "Oh, there are many gorgeous people who are ahead of me. And there are so few who is committed to God." That's why Elijah fell into depression. But God said to Elijah, "Elijah, though nobody cares my purpose, at least would you devote yourself for my purpose?” This is why God called Elisha. When one person rises with faith and vision, salvation flows to their family and society. If there's a Elisha in a family where no one believes, the family will be saved through him or her. If there's a Elisha on this campus, countless souls will be saved. That's why I do one-on-one Bible study with student praying to meet Elisha in this generation. I hope you all become Elisha. Salvation begins through one person, through you and me. This is the one-man vision. Jesus was not interested in the crowd. Instead, Jesus called one by one. He called Paul who did all in his generation and Elisha too. I want you to become another Paul and another Elisha. Be that one person who saves many souls. Expect and receive overwhelming grace from God and live a powerful life.