By: Pastor Daniel Ethridge
This past season, God has been stirring something fresh in our church. We’ve seen Him moving in hearts, raising up leaders, and calling His people into deeper levels of obedience. Some of you already know what God is calling you to. Others may feel completely in the dark, but hear me—God’s call is real, and He wants to speak to you.
Today, as we continue our series in the life of Elijah, we come to a powerful moment when Elijah meets the man who would follow in his footsteps: Elisha. Their stories overlap here in 1 Kings 19, and in this encounter, we learn three key truths about the call of God.
1. Elisha’s Development
“Elijah left there and found Elisha son of Shaphat as he was plowing…”
— 1 Kings 19:19
Elijah traveled over 150 miles from Mount Sinai to find Elisha. The call of God on Elisha’s life was clear, but Elijah still had to obey and pursue him. Discipleship requires effort. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.
When Elijah found him, Elisha wasn’t sitting around waiting on a miracle—he was plowing a field. He was faithful right where God had placed him. Plowing is hard work. It’s dusty, repetitive, and unglamorous. But it was in that place of quiet faithfulness that God prepared Elisha for what was next.
“Do not despise small beginnings.”
— Zechariah 4:10
God often develops His people in obscurity. Like a roll of 35mm film that can only be developed in the darkroom, God uses seasons of hiddenness to shape us for what’s ahead. If we’re exposed too early, the image He’s crafting in us can be destroyed.
Don’t be fooled—God is not developing you for popularity; He’s developing you for purpose. Platforms are never a substitute for preparation. And if your gifting takes you further than your character can carry you, it will eventually crush you.
“It is required that managers be found faithful.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:2
Be faithful where you are—whether it’s in your home, your job, or your current season. That’s where development happens. There are no shortcuts.
2. Elisha’s Assignment
“Elijah walked by him and threw his mantle over him.”
— 1 Kings 19:19
Elisha came from wealth and status. He was working with twelve teams of oxen—an indicator of serious generational resources. Yet none of that could compare to the purpose of God.
When Elijah threw his mantle over Elisha, it was more than just a symbolic gesture—it was a transfer of identity. Elisha wasn’t just given a task; he was given a calling. The mantle represented a new assignment, and with it, a new direction.
Maybe you’ve been asking: “Why was I born?” Friend, God didn’t create you accidentally. He formed you on purpose and for a purpose.
“Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book…”
— Psalm 139:16
“We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”
— Ephesians 2:10
God has a calling for your life, and it’s bigger than wealth, titles, or success. Elisha’s name means “God is salvation.” Even his name pointed to his assignment!
Elijah gave Elisha freedom to respond, saying, “Go back—for what have I done to you?” In other words: “I didn’t call you—God did.” That’s the same truth for us. The call doesn’t originate with man; it comes from God.
3. Elisha’s Surrender
“So he turned back… took the team of oxen, and slaughtered them.”
— 1 Kings 19:21
What Elisha does next is stunning. He burns the plows. He slaughters the oxen. He makes it impossible to return to his old life.
This wasn’t symbolic—it was literal surrender. Elisha made the decision to go all-in with God, and he never looked back.
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
— Luke 9:62
Maybe today, you’re at that same kind of turning point. Maybe you need to burn the plow.
It might not be oxen for you—it might be your comfort, your status, your sin, your job, or your backup plan. What in your life needs to be surrendered so you can step fully into the call God has for you?
The Call to Respond
As I prayed through this message, I sensed three distinct calls for people. I believe one of them is for you.
1. A Call to Salvation
Have you ever fully surrendered your life to Jesus? Have you acknowledged your need for a Savior, and put your faith in Christ’s death and resurrection? If not, today is the day of salvation. Don’t wait. Trust Him now.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
— Romans 10:13
2. A Call to Repentance
Maybe you’ve already believed, but there’s a sin—an old way of life you need to turn from. Jesus said if your hand or eye causes you to sin, get rid of it. Kill the sin before it kills you.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…”
— 1 John 1:9
Don’t carry shame. Come to the altar. Be free.
3. A Call to Ministry
Some of you have known for a long time that God is calling you into ministry—full-time, overseas, or to serve right where you are. Stop running. Today is your moment to say “yes.” We’re here to pray with you and help develop that calling.
Final Challenge
The call of God is not just for Elisha. It’s for you.
Are you being faithful in your development? Are you stepping into your assignment? Are you willing to surrender it all?
Today is the day to go all-in with Jesus.
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Burn the plow. Kill the oxen. Step into your calling.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
God is raising up a generation, and He’s calling you by name. The only question left is this:
