1 Kings 19:20

“And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?”

Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Verse: “And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?”

Context:The passage is part of the narrative of Elijah’s encounter with Elisha, who becomes his successor as a prophet. Prior to this verse, Elijah had cast his mantle upon Elisha as a symbolic act of passing on the prophetic ministry.

Elisha’s Response:In response to Elijah’s symbolic act, Elisha leaves his oxen and runs after Elijah. However, before fully committing to follow Elijah, Elisha requests to bid farewell to his parents. This request highlights Elisha’s sense of duty and respect towards his family.

Elijah’s Response:Elijah’s response to Elisha’s request is somewhat cryptic. He tells Elisha to “go back again” and questions what he has done to him. Elijah’s response can be understood as a way of testing Elisha’s commitment. By asking Elisha to reconsider and count the cost, Elijah is challenging him to fully abandon his former life and wholeheartedly pursue the prophetic calling.

Symbolism:Elisha’s actions of leaving the oxen and bidding farewell to his parents symbolize his willingness to leave behind his former occupation and familial ties to wholeheartedly devote himself to God’s service. It demonstrates the radical commitment required to follow God.

Lessons for us:

• Counting the cost:Elisha’s request and Elijah’s response teach us the importance of counting the cost of discipleship. Following God’s calling often requires leaving behind comfort, familiar surroundings, and even significant relationships. It calls for a total commitment.
• Wholehearted commitment:Elisha’s actions serve as an example of wholehearted dedication to God’s service. When God calls us, He expects our complete devotion. We should be ready to surrender our plans and desires to follow Him without reservation.
• Prioritizing God’s call:Elisha’s request to bid farewell to his parents also reveals the need to honor family ties. While family relationships are important, when God calls, we must prioritize His call above all else. Our allegiance to God should supersede any other commitments.
• God’s testing and guidance:Elijah’s response to Elisha’s request shows that God may test our commitment and dedication before entrusting us with greater responsibilities. It is important to trust in God’s guidance and timing, even when His response seems enigmatic.

In summary, 1 Kings 19:20 teaches us about the cost of discipleship, the need for wholehearted commitment, the priority of God’s call, and the importance of trusting in God’s guidance. It challenges us to examine our own level of commitment and willingness to follow God’s call in our lives.