Embracing God's Call: Surrendering for True Identity

A Tale of Two Prophets Part 3: Oxen, BBQ & Breakup

 

Summary

Let's focus on the story of Elisha’s calling—a moment that challenges our understanding of what it means to follow God’s call. Elisha starts out not as a prophet, priest, or preacher; he’s a wealthy landowner, faithfully ploughing his field, living a life of stability and success. Yet, God singles him out, not because of desperation or spiritual striving, but because of his faithfulness in the ordinary. The call comes not with clarity, but with interruption—a mantle thrown over his shoulders, a symbol of a new identity and a new direction.

Elisha’s response is radical. He doesn’t just accept the call; he burns his plow, slaughters his oxen, and hosts a feast for his community. There’s no backup plan, no safety net. He leaves behind not failure, but familiarity and success. This act is not about recklessness, but about decisiveness—about making room for God’s purpose by letting go of what once defined him. The story isn’t a call for everyone to quit their jobs or abandon their responsibilities, but a challenge to examine what we’re unwilling to surrender, what “plows” we keep in the shed just in case.

The heart of the matter is identity. God’s call is not just about what we do, but about who we are. Our careers, achievements, and possessions are not our true identity—they are tools and platforms for God’s mission. The real transformation happens when we allow God to interrupt our lives, to move us from comfort to calling, from routine to risk, from self-made legacy to God-given purpose. The invitation is to walk in the mantle God has already placed on our shoulders, to live out our faith in every field, profession, and relationship, knowing that our calling is not about spotlight or status, but about surrender and service.

God’s call is persistent, woven into the fabric of our daily lives, whispering to us in moments of silence and stillness. The challenge is to listen, to let go of shallow definitions, and to step into the fullness of who God has created us to be. We are not alone in this journey—Jesus has gone before us, and we walk in His strength. May we follow the mantle, not just in moments of inspiration, but in the long road of daily obedience, transforming every responsibility into a mission field for God’s glory.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Call Interrupts, Not Just Invites
God often calls us not out of desperation or failure, but in the midst of our faithfulness and success. The call may not come with clarity or a detailed roadmap, but as a divine interruption that challenges us to trust Him beyond our comfort zones. The question is not whether we are ready, but whether we are willing to let God interrupt our plans for His greater purpose. [08:27]

- Faithfulness in the Ordinary is Sacred
Elisha was not seeking a prophetic role; he was simply being faithful in his field. God values faithfulness in every vocation, whether it’s ministry, medicine, business, or motherhood. Our daily work, when done with integrity and commitment, is holy ground where God can call and use us for His kingdom. [06:19]

- True Surrender Means Burning the Backup Plan
Elisha’s act of burning his plow and oxen is a powerful symbol of total surrender. Following God’s call often requires us to let go of our safety nets, our emotional and financial backups, and the identities we’ve built for ourselves. Faith is not about hedging our bets, but about making room for God by decisively placing Him first, even when it means leaving behind what is good for what is God. [16:28]

- Identity is Found in Calling, Not Career
Our worth and identity are not defined by our professions, achievements, or possessions. God calls us by name, inviting us to break up with shallow definitions and embrace our true identity as His children. Whether we are in the field, the office, or the home, our primary calling is to be Christ’s representatives, letting our identity in Him shape everything we do. [27:24]

- The Mantle is a Move, Not Just a Moment
Receiving God’s call is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of movement and transformation. The mantle is not just something we accept; it’s something we walk in, day by day, often without all the answers. The call to follow Jesus is a continual process of surrender, risk, and obedience, trusting that if God has given the mantle, He has already made room for the mission. [24:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Series Recap: Elijah and Elisha
[02:45] - Elijah’s Mount Carmel Victory and Aftermath
[04:30] - Elijah’s Fear and God’s Whisper
[06:19] - Elisha: The Wealthy Farmer
[08:27] - God’s Call Finds the Faithful
[11:26] - When God Calls You Out of Success
[12:54] - Emily Sandé: A Modern Parable of Calling
[15:09] - The Whisper of a Higher Calling
[16:28] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[18:40] - Burning the Plow: No Turning Back
[23:11] - The Discomfort of Moving
[24:07] - The Mantle Requires Movement
[27:24] - Identity Beyond the Field
[31:08] - Living Out the Mantle Daily
[32:05] - The Song of Calling
[34:09] - Prayer and Sending Forth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Call of Elisha—From Plow to Purpose

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### Bible Reading

1 Kings 19:19-21 (NLT)
So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away.
Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”
Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”
So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

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### Observation Questions

1. What details in the passage show us that Elisha was not a poor or desperate man when God called him?
[[06:19]]

2. How did Elijah call Elisha, and what was the physical symbol used to show this calling?
[[08:27]]

3. What did Elisha do with his oxen and plow after receiving the call, and what does this action show about his response?
[[16:28]]

4. After Elisha’s decision, what was his new role with Elijah?
[[16:28]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God chose to call Elisha while he was faithfully working in his field, instead of someone who was already seeking a spiritual role?
[[08:27]]

2. The sermon says God’s call is often an interruption, not a detailed invitation. What does this suggest about how we should expect God to speak or lead us?
[[08:27]]

3. Elisha burned his plow and oxen, leaving no backup plan. What does this say about the kind of surrender God desires from us?
[[16:28]]

4. The sermon talks about identity being found in calling, not career. How does this challenge the way people usually define themselves?
[[27:24]]

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### Application Questions

1. Elisha was called in the middle of his daily work, not during a spiritual retreat. Where in your ordinary, everyday life might God be trying to get your attention? Are there “fields” you’re plowing where you sense God’s whisper?
[[08:27]]

2. The sermon asks, “Does your relationship with God allow him to interrupt your life?” What is one area of your life where you struggle to let God interrupt your plans? What would it look like to be more open to His interruptions?
[[08:27]]

3. Elisha burned his plow and oxen, making it impossible to return to his old life. Is there a “backup plan” or comfort zone you’re holding onto in case following God gets too hard? What would it look like to “burn the plow” in your situation?
[[16:28]]

4. The sermon says, “God won’t fill hands that are still holding plows.” What is something you’re holding onto that might be keeping you from fully embracing God’s purpose for you?
[[16:28]]

5. The message is not about quitting your job, but about who comes first in your life. How can you live out your calling as God’s representative in your current field, profession, or relationships?
[[27:24]]

6. The “mantle” is not just a moment, but a move—a journey of daily obedience. What is one practical step you can take this week to walk in the calling God has placed on your life, even if you don’t have all the answers?
[[24:07]]

7. The sermon ends with the reminder that we don’t walk alone—Jesus has gone before us. How does knowing this change the way you approach risk, surrender, or obedience in your faith journey?
[[34:09]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to let God interrupt their plans, for clarity to see where He is calling them, and for the faith to surrender backup plans and walk in their true identity as God’s children.

Devotional

Day 1: God Calls the Faithful in Ordinary Places
God’s call often comes to those faithfully serving in their everyday lives, not just to those seeking spiritual platforms or recognition. Elisha was not a prophet or priest, but a wealthy farmer diligently working his land when God chose him for a greater purpose. This reminds us that faithfulness in our current responsibilities is seen and valued by God, and He can call us to new things even when we least expect it. The call of God is not reserved for the desperate or the obviously spiritual, but for anyone willing to be faithful where they are. [08:27]

1 Kings 19:19-21 (NLT)
So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!” Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.” So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

Reflection: Where in your daily routine or workplace might God be inviting you to see your faithfulness as preparation for a new calling?


Day 2: The Call of God Interrupts Comfort and Success
God’s call is not always a rescue from failure; sometimes it is an invitation to leave behind comfort, stability, and even success. Elisha was not in crisis—he was thriving—yet God’s call required him to step away from his wealth and legacy. The true test of surrender is not just leaving what is broken, but being willing to walk away from what is working well when God asks. Are you open to God’s interruptions, even if they disrupt your plans or comfort? [11:26]

Matthew 4:18-20 (NLT)
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Reflection: What area of comfort or success in your life would be hardest to leave behind if God called you to something new today?


Day 3: Surrender Means Burning the Backup Plan
True surrender to God’s call means letting go of our safety nets and backup plans. Elisha didn’t just leave his oxen—he slaughtered them and burned the plow, making it impossible to return to his old life. This radical act of obedience shows that following God is not about hedging our bets, but about wholehearted commitment. Faith doesn’t keep a plan B; it trusts God enough to move forward without looking back. [16:28]

Luke 9:61-62 (NLT)
Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Reflection: What “plow” or backup plan are you still holding onto, and what would it look like to surrender it fully to God?


Day 4: Your Identity Is in God’s Calling, Not Your Career
God’s call is not just about changing what you do, but about transforming who you are. The world may define you by your job, achievements, or status, but God calls you by name and gives you a new identity rooted in Christ. Whether you are in ministry, medicine, management, or any other field, your true identity is as a child of God, called to bear witness to Jesus wherever you are. [27:24]

Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed your career or role to define you, and how can you intentionally root your identity in Christ this week?


Day 5: The Mantle Is a Lifelong Move, Not Just a Moment
God’s call is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of surrender and obedience. Picking up the mantle means continually choosing to follow God’s leading, even when the path is uncertain or uncomfortable. The call is not just about what you say yes to, but also about what you are willing to say no to, trusting that God has already made room for your mission. You are not alone—Jesus walks with you every step of the way. [31:08]

Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to move forward in God’s calling, trusting Him with the unknowns ahead?

Quotes

Some of us want to follow God with conditions. We want to step into the future but keep our past on standby, keep the plow in the shed just in case it doesn't work out. But Elisha shows us something completely different. Faith doesn't pack a safety net. Faith packs a lunch for people, burns the plow, and then goes. [00:19:11] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

You can't carry the kingdom and your comforts at the same time. What's the plow that you're still keeping in case this whole faith thing doesn't work out? [00:20:43] (16 seconds) Edit Clip

The call of God is not a single moment. It's a lifelong move. You can raise your hand in an appeal. You can feel inspired about a particular kind of direction. But this is a walking of a long road of surrender on a random Monday afternoon. [00:26:56] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

The real you is marked by the sacrifice on a cross. The real you is clothed in grace. The real you has already been mantled. The sacrifice of Jesus and the transformation of the heart. It's evidence that the mantle is already on your shoulders. And today, God is inviting you to walk in it. [00:30:25] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

You are more than who you think you are. You're not just here to get through life. You're here to live it differently. To carry the mantle with meaning. The plow is optional, but the calling isn't. So pick up the mantle. Walk in your identity and follow the whisper wherever it leads. [00:30:56] (30 seconds) Edit Clip

Sermon Clips

Some of us want to follow God with conditions. We want to step into the future but keep our past on standby, keep the plow in the shed just in case it doesn't work out. But Elisha shows us something completely different. Faith doesn't pack a safety net. Faith packs a lunch for people, burns the plow, and then goes. [00:19:11] (29 seconds)  #FaithBurnsThePlow

You can't carry the kingdom and your comforts at the same time. What's the plow that you're still keeping in case this whole faith thing doesn't work out? [00:20:43] (16 seconds)  #KingdomOverComfort

The call of God is not a single moment. It's a lifelong move. You can raise your hand in an appeal. You can feel inspired about a particular kind of direction. But this is a walking of a long road of surrender on a random Monday afternoon. [00:26:56] (25 seconds)  #LifelongCallToFollow

The call of God is not a single moment. It's a lifelong move. You can raise your hand in an appeal. You can feel inspired about a particular kind of direction. But this is a walking of a long road of surrender on a random Monday afternoon. [00:26:56] (25 seconds)

The call of God is not a single moment. It's a lifelong move. You can raise your hand in an appeal. You can feel inspired about a particular kind of direction. But this is a walking of a long road of surrender on a random Monday afternoon. Thank you. [00:26:56] (26 seconds)

The real you is marked by the sacrifice on a cross. The real you is clothed in grace. The real you has already been mantled. The sacrifice of Jesus and the transformation of the heart. It's evidence that the mantle is already on your shoulders. And today, God is inviting you to walk in it. [00:30:25] (21 seconds)  #ClothedInGrace

The real you is marked by the sacrifice on a cross. The real you is clothed in grace. The real you has already been mantled. The sacrifice of Jesus and the transformation of the heart. It's evidence that the mantle is already on your shoulders. And today, God is inviting you to walk in it. It's not to run away from where you are, but to live differently right where you are. [00:30:25] (28 seconds)

You are more than who you think you are. You're not just here to get through life. You're here to live it differently. To carry the mantle with meaning. The plow is optional, but the calling isn't. So pick up the mantle. Walk in your identity and follow the whisper wherever it leads. [00:30:56] (30 seconds)  #LiveCalledNotSettled

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