Julie Sipe (Pennsylvania, USA) Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” - Matthew 16:25 (NIV) In 2022, I used my daily devotional time to find Bible passages that I had not studied before — ones that were unmarked by my highlighter or pen. Most mornings that year, I spent time in the Old Testament and gained a new appreciation for the stories and the people found there, including the call of Elisha in today’s scripture reading.
When called by Elijah, Elisha slaughtered his oxen, which provided the people with a feast, a type of going-away party for Elisha. More important, it proved Elisha’s commitment. To cook the meal, Elisha burned his plowing equipment. In doing so, there was no chance of Elisha’s returning to what he used to do or who he used to be. Elisha was fully committed to following and assisting Elijah.
To be faithful to God, we must deny ourselves (see Lk. 9:23), and in Elisha, we find a beautiful example of such sacrifice.
