Passed On: Living the Faith That Multiplies
The Call That Changes Everything
1 Kings 19:19-21 ESV
The Call of Elisha
19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.
When God invites us into His purpose, the right response is decisive surrender, joyful obedience, and wholehearted commitment.
A Moment Can Change Everything
At the Crossroads
Stay where it is safe—or step into something new?
God Restores Elijah
God meets discouraged servants with rest, truth, and a new assignment.
The Call Comes Unexpectedly
“Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him.” — 1 Kings 19:19
God’s call often interrupts ordinary faithfulness.
The Call Requires Discernment
“Let me kiss my father and mother, and then I will follow you.” — 1 Kings 19:20
God’s call is voluntary, but once embraced, it becomes life-defining.
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
The Call Demands Total Surrender
“He took the yoke of oxen and slaughtered them…and gave it to the people.” — 1 Kings 19:21
Elisha burned the bridges that led back to his old life.
Ordinary Moments
You do not need a mountaintop to hear God. You need attentiveness in everyday life.
A Decisive Response
Delayed obedience is disobedience.
Burn the Backup Plan
Faith grows when safety nets go up in flames.
Your Obedience Affects Others
Elijah’s obedience unlocked Elisha’s destiny.
A Church of Elijahs and Elishas
Elijahs who obey and mentor. Elishas who respond and surrender.
A church like that becomes unstoppable.
ELIJAH’S STORY
What If Elijah Had Not Obeyed and Mentored Elisha?
1. Elisha’s Ministry Would Not Have Happened
2. Israel Would Have Lost a Prophet of Healing and Restoration
3. Elijah’s Legacy Would Have Ended With Him
4. Elisha Would Have Remained a Farmer
1. God’s Call Comes in Ordinary Moments
2. God’s Call Requires a Decisive Response
3. God’s Call Requires Burning the Backup Plan
4. Someone Else’s Calling May Depend on Your Obedience
We serve an extraordinary God
who uses ordinary people
to change the world.
