When I was in seminary I met many people who had left everything behind to answer God’s call to ministry. One very successful, middle-aged businessman closed his business and never looked back. Others sold homes, quit jobs, and moved far away from family.

I thought about my fellow students this morning during my daily Bible reading. In 1 Kings chapter 20 we read about Elisha’s call by God to be Elijah’s successor.  When Elijah issued the call Elisha was plowing a field behind a yoke of oxen. Not only did Elisha answer the call he also slaughtered the oxen and cooked them over a fire fueled by the plowing equipment.

Now that’s commitment! There would be no turning back for Elisha. No changing his mind or deciding he heard wrong. He could only move forward in obedience to God’s plan for his life. Read more