God's Work, God's Way, God's Workers
A Sermon Based on 1 Kings 19:15-21
Introduction
Have you ever felt like giving up on God's calling in your life? Have you ever found yourself questioning whether your service to the Lord makes any real difference? The great prophet Elijah certainly did. After his dramatic victory on Mount Carmel, where God sent fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice and prove His supremacy over the false god Baal (1 Kings 18:36-39), Elijah found himself running for his life from Queen Jezebel's death threats (1 Kings 19:1-2).
In our passage today from 1 Kings 19:15-21, we encounter a discouraged prophet who had retreated to a cave, ready to quit his ministry (1 Kings 19:9). Yet God meets him there with a message of hope and a renewed commission. This story teaches us profound truths about how God accomplishes His purposes through ordinary people like you and me. As we examine this passage together, we will discover that God's work continues through God's way, using God's chosen workers.
The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:9 that "we are God's fellow workers." This partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility shows us that while God could accomplish His purposes without us, He chooses to work through us. Let us explore how this partnership unfolds in Elijah's story and what it means for our lives today.
1. The Divine Commission - Called and Equipped for Kingdom Work
Reference: 1 Kings 19:15-16 - "Go, return on your way... you shall anoint..."
When we find Elijah in this passage, he has just experienced what we might call a spiritual breakthrough. God had spoken to him not in the earthquake, wind, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. Now comes the commission. God tells Elijah to "go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus." This command reveals several important principles about how God calls and equips His workers.
First, notice that God's commission comes with specific instructions. Elijah was not given vague directions to "do something good for God." Instead, he received clear, actionable commands: anoint Hazael as king over Syria, anoint Jehu as king over Israel, and anoint Elisha as prophet to succeed him. God's calling in our lives often comes with this same specificity. When He calls us to serve, He provides clear direction about what He wants us to do.
Consider the story of a young businessman who felt called to ministry. For months, he wrestled with what this meant. Should he quit his job immediately? Should he go to seminary? Then God began opening specific doors. First, his pastor asked him to teach a small group Bible study. Then the church asked him to lead a community outreach program. Step by step, God revealed His specific plan. Like Elijah, this man discovered that divine calling comes with divine direction.
Second, we see that God's commission often requires us to return to the place of duty. God told Elijah to "return on your way." The prophet had fled his post, abandoning his responsibilities in his fear and discouragement. Now God was calling him back to the place where he belonged. This principle applies to us as well. Sometimes in our discouragement or fear, we abandon our post of service (Psalm 42:5). God's remedy is not to give us a different assignment, but to call us back to where we belong.
The story of Jonah illustrates this principle powerfully. When God called Jonah to preach to Nineveh, the prophet fled in the opposite direction. After his encounter with the great fish, God's commission was unchanged: "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you" (Jonah 3:2). God did not give Jonah a different, easier assignment. He called him back to the original task.
Third, we observe that God's commission comes with divine empowerment. Elijah had felt powerless and alone, but God was about to demonstrate that His servant was neither. The three anointings that Elijah was commanded to perform would set in motion events that would ultimately destroy Baal worship in Israel. God was not asking Elijah to work in his own strength, but was providing the tools and resources necessary to accomplish His purposes.
This principle appears throughout Scripture. When God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses protested his inadequacy. God's response was not to choose someone else, but to promise, "Certainly I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). When Jesus commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations, He concluded with the promise, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). God's calling always comes with God's enabling.
The three individuals Elijah was commanded to anoint were not prominent figures in their society. Hazael was a servant (2 Kings 8:7-9), Jehu was a military captain (2 Kings 9:5), and Elisha was a farmer (1 Kings 19:19). Yet God chose these ordinary men to accomplish extraordinary purposes. This reminds us that God's kingdom work is not limited to those with impressive credentials or high social standing. He often chooses the unlikely candidates to demonstrate that the power comes from Him, not from human ability or position (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
2. From Plowshares to Prophecy - Answering God's Unexpected Call
Reference: 1 Kings 19:19-21 - Elisha's transition from farming to following Elijah
The calling of Elisha provides us with a beautiful picture of how God often calls His workers from unexpected places and circumstances. When Elijah found Elisha, the young man was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. This detail tells us that Elisha came from a prosperous family. He was not looking for an escape from poverty or seeking adventure. He had a good life, a secure future, and meaningful work. Yet when God's call came, he responded immediately and wholeheartedly.
This scene reminds us that God's calling often comes when we are faithfully engaged in ordinary tasks. Elisha was not praying for a prophetic ministry or seeking a spiritual experience. He was simply doing his work, plowing the field. Similarly, the disciples were mending their nets when Jesus called them (Mark 1:16-20). Moses was tending sheep when God spoke to him from the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-4). David was watching his father's sheep when Samuel came to anoint him as future king (1 Samuel 16:11-12).
The method of Elisha's calling is also significant. Elijah did not give a lengthy speech or make a persuasive argument. He simply threw his mantle over Elisha and continued walking. This symbolic action communicated everything Elisha needed to know. The rough, hairy cloak was Elijah's trademark, the symbol of his prophetic office. By placing it on Elisha, Elijah was indicating that God had chosen him as his successor.
Sometimes God's call comes to us in similarly quiet, symbolic ways. A door opens unexpectedly (1 Corinthians 16:9). A need arises that perfectly matches our gifts (1 Peter 4:10). A conversation stirs our heart in a new direction (Acts 16:14). We must be sensitive to these divine touches, these moments when God places His mantle upon us.
Consider the story of D.L. Moody, the great 19th-century evangelist. Moody was a shoe salesman in Chicago when he felt called to ministry. His calling did not come through a dramatic vision or audible voice from heaven. Instead, it began when he started teaching Sunday school to poor children. As he faithfully served in this small capacity, God gradually expanded his ministry until he became one of the most effective evangelists of his era. Like Elisha, Moody's calling came while he was faithfully engaged in ordinary work, and it developed as he responded obediently to each step.
Elisha's immediate response to God's call teaches us important lessons about spiritual responsiveness. The text tells us that Elisha "ran after Elijah." There was no hesitation, no lengthy period of consideration. He recognized the divine call and responded instantly. This does not mean that he was impulsive or thoughtless. Rather, his quick response demonstrated that his heart was already prepared to serve God.
The young man's request to "kiss my father and my mother" was not an excuse or delay tactic. It was a reasonable request to say goodbye to his family before beginning his new life. Elijah's response, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" was not a rebuke but rather a clarification. Elijah was essentially saying, "I have not compelled you. The call comes from God, not from me. Do what you believe God is asking you to do."
This exchange reveals an important principle about divine calling. God does not coerce us into His service. He calls, He invites, He places His mantle upon us, but He leaves us free to respond (Revelation 3:20). The calling is genuine, but our response must be voluntary. As Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). The key word is "desires." God calls, but we must choose to respond (Joshua 24:15).
3. Burning Bridges, Building Faith: The Cost of Divine Calling
Reference: 1 Kings 19:21 - "He took the yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen"
Elisha's response to God's call demonstrates the radical nature of true commitment. After receiving permission to say goodbye to his family, Elisha did something that modern readers might find shocking. He killed two of his oxen and used his wooden farming implements as fuel to cook the meat for a farewell feast. This was not just a goodbye party; it was a public declaration that he would never return to his former way of life.
The significance of this act cannot be overstated. In an agricultural society, oxen were extremely valuable assets. A farmer's oxen represented his livelihood, his security, and his future. By sacrificing them, Elisha was giving up his means of income and his backup plan. He was literally burning his bridges behind him. The wooden yokes and plows that he used for fuel were the tools of his trade. By destroying them, he was making his decision irreversible.
This dramatic gesture illustrates a crucial principle about following God's call: true commitment requires the sacrifice of alternatives (Luke 14:25-33). As long as we keep one foot in our old life while trying to follow God with the other, we will be unstable and ineffective (James 1:8). Jesus expressed this principle clearly when He said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62).
The story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22 provides a stark contrast to Elisha's response. When Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, the young man "went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions." Unlike Elisha, he was unwilling to burn his bridges and make a total commitment. The cost seemed too high.
Modern examples of bridge-burning commitment are inspiring to consider. William Carey, known as the father of modern missions, was a cobbler and schoolteacher when he felt called to take the gospel to India. Despite opposition from his denomination and concerns about supporting his family, Carey persevered. He famously declared, "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." When he finally sailed for India, he knew he might never return to England. Like Elisha, he burned his bridges and trusted God for the future.
Hudson Taylor provides another example. When he felt called to take the gospel to inland China, he gave up a promising medical career in England. He learned Chinese, adopted Chinese dress, and committed himself fully to his calling, despite the dangers and hardships involved. His total commitment enabled him to establish the China Inland Mission and see thousands come to faith in Christ.
The feast that Elisha prepared with the meat from his oxen was significant for several reasons. First, it was a celebration of his new calling (Nehemiah 8:10). Rather than mourning what he was leaving behind, Elisha was rejoicing in what God had called him to do. Second, it was a public declaration (Matthew 10:32-33). By inviting his family and neighbors to the feast, Elisha was announcing his decision to everyone who knew him. There would be no secret return to farming if the prophetic ministry became difficult.
Third, the feast represented his gratitude to God and to those who had supported him. The oxen that he sacrificed were probably the finest animals he owned. By giving them freely, he was demonstrating that nothing was too valuable to offer to God (Romans 12:1). This principle of sacrificial giving appears throughout Scripture. Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, his beloved son (Genesis 22:9-12). The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal to Elijah (1 Kings 17:12-16). The poor widow in Mark 12:41-44 gave all she had to the temple treasury. In each case, the sacrifice demonstrated total trust in God's provision (Philippians 4:19).
Elisha's actions also reveal the importance of making our commitments public. When we keep our decisions to follow God private, we make it easier to change our minds when difficulties arise. But when we declare our commitments publicly, we create accountability and support that help us persevere through challenging times.
The cost of following God's call is real and should not be minimized. Jesus was honest about this cost. He said, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26). This does not mean that we must literally hate our families, but rather that our commitment to God must be so complete that every other loyalty pales in comparison.
Yet we must remember that God's calling, though costly, is also richly rewarding. Jesus continued, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life" (Matthew 19:29). God does not ask us to sacrifice without promising even greater blessings in return.
4. Partners in Purpose - God's Strategic Appointments
Reference: 1 Kings 19:16-17 - The interconnected roles of Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha in God's plan
One of the most remarkable aspects of God's commission to Elijah is how it reveals the strategic nature of divine planning (Isaiah 55:8-9). God did not simply tell Elijah to anoint three men randomly. Instead, He orchestrated a carefully coordinated plan that would unfold over time and accomplish multiple purposes simultaneously. The three appointments of Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha were interconnected elements of a comprehensive strategy to deal with the problem of Baal worship in Israel.
Hazael was to be anointed as king of Syria, Israel's enemy to the north. This appointment shows us that God's sovereignty extends beyond the boundaries of His chosen people (Daniel 4:17). Even pagan nations serve His purposes. Hazael would become an instrument of judgment against Israel's unfaithfulness, applying pressure from the outside that would drive the people back to dependence on the Lord.
Jehu was to be anointed as king of Israel. As a military captain, he had the skills and influence necessary to lead a revolution against the house of Ahab. God was raising up internal leadership that would purge the nation of its corrupt rulers and their false religious practices. Jehu's assignment was to apply pressure from within the nation's political structure.
Elisha was to be anointed as Elijah's prophetic successor. As a prophet, he would provide spiritual leadership and divine guidance for the people during this time of transition and purification. His role was to apply spiritual pressure through the word of the Lord, calling the people to repentance and faithfulness.
The genius of God's plan becomes clear when we consider how these three roles would complement and support each other. Verse 17 explains: "It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill." This does not necessarily mean that all three would literally use swords to kill people, but rather that their combined efforts would be comprehensive and complete. No aspect of the Baal worship problem would be left unaddressed.
This strategic coordination reveals important principles about how God accomplishes His purposes through human instruments. First, God often works through teams rather than isolated individuals (Ecclesiastes 4:12). While we tend to focus on individual heroes of faith, God typically uses multiple people working together to accomplish His objectives. Elijah felt alone and isolated, but God was actually orchestrating a multi-person team effort.
The early church provides a beautiful example of this principle. While we often think of Paul as a lone apostle, he actually worked with a large team of fellow workers (Romans 16:1-16). In his letters, Paul mentions dozens of co-workers: Timothy (Philippians 2:19-22), Silas (Acts 15:40), Barnabas (Acts 13:2), Luke (Colossians 4:14), Aquila and Priscilla (Romans 16:3), Apollos (1 Corinthians 3:6), and many others. Each had different gifts and roles, but together they accomplished the spread of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire.
Second, God strategically places His people in different spheres of influence to maximize their impact. Hazael would influence international relations. Jehu would influence domestic politics. Elisha would influence spiritual matters. By having godly people in positions of influence across multiple sectors of society, God ensures that His purposes can be accomplished through various channels.
This principle has important implications for how we think about Christian service today. We sometimes assume that full-time ministry positions are more valuable to God than secular occupations. But God's strategy with Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha suggests otherwise. The businessman who serves God faithfully in the marketplace, the teacher who demonstrates Christ's love in the classroom, the government official who upholds justice and righteousness in public policy—all are equally valuable parts of God's comprehensive strategy for advancing His kingdom.
Third, God's strategic planning often operates across generations (Psalm 78:4-6). The three men that Elijah was commanded to anoint would not complete their work quickly. Hazael would reign for decades (2 Kings 13:3). Jehu's dynasty would last for five generations (2 Kings 10:30). Elisha's ministry would extend long after Elijah was taken up to heaven (2 Kings 2:11). God was not looking for a quick fix to Israel's spiritual problems, but was implementing a long-term solution that would unfold over time.
This generational perspective should influence how we think about our own service to God (2 Timothy 2:2). We may not see the full results of our faithful service in our lifetime, but we can trust that our obedience today is part of a larger plan that will continue to unfold long after we are gone. The Sunday school teacher who faithfully teaches children may not see the full impact of her ministry until those children become adult leaders in the church and community. The parent who raises children to know and love God may not fully appreciate the impact until those children become parents themselves and pass the faith on to the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
Fourth, God's strategy often includes built-in accountability and mutual support. The three men appointed by Elijah would not work in isolation from each other. Their ministries would intersect and reinforce each other. When one faced opposition or discouragement, the others would be there to provide support and encouragement.
This principle highlights the importance of Christian fellowship and mutual accountability in our service to God. We are not called to serve as lone rangers, but as members of the body of Christ. Our gifts and callings complement those of other believers. When we work together in unity, we can accomplish far more than any of us could achieve individually.
The account of Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha also demonstrates God's patience and persistence in dealing with human sin and rebellion. Rather than destroying Israel immediately for their unfaithfulness, God implemented a comprehensive plan for correction and restoration. This reveals His heart of love and His desire for redemption rather than judgment.
Conclusion
As we conclude our study of this powerful passage, we must ask ourselves: What is God saying to us today through Elijah's experience? Several key applications emerge from our examination of God's work, God's way, and God's workers.
First, we learn that God never abandons His servants, even when they feel like giving up. When Elijah was discouraged and ready to quit, God met him with gentle care and renewed purpose. If you find yourself in a cave of discouragement today, remember that God has not given up on you. He has work for you to do and will provide the strength and direction you need to accomplish it.
Second, we discover that God's calling often comes to ordinary people engaged in ordinary tasks. Like Elisha plowing his field, we may be surprised by how God chooses to use us. The key is to remain faithful in whatever He has given us to do today, staying sensitive to His voice and ready to respond when He calls.
Third, we see that following God's call requires real sacrifice and commitment. Like Elisha burning his farming equipment, we must be willing to let go of our backup plans and security blankets to fully embrace God's purposes for our lives. This kind of commitment is not easy, but it is necessary for effective service.
Fourth, we learn that God's work is accomplished through strategic partnerships and long-term planning. We are not alone in our service to God. He has placed other believers around us with complementary gifts and callings. Our job is to find our place in His comprehensive plan and work faithfully alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The apostle Paul captured this principle beautifully in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase." Each of us has a role to play in God's great plan, but the ultimate success depends on Him.
Finally, this passage reminds us that God's work will continue long after we are gone. Elijah prepared Elisha to carry on the prophetic ministry. Elisha would in turn influence kings and nations for generations to come. The work that God calls us to do today may have impacts that extend far beyond our lifetime.
As we close, let me ask you: Have you heard God's gentle whisper calling you to serve Him? Are you faithfully engaged in the tasks He has given you today? Have you made the kind of total commitment that Elisha demonstrated? Are you working in partnership with other believers to advance God's kingdom?
Remember the words of Jesus in John 15:16: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain." God has chosen you, equipped you, and appointed you for His purposes. Like Elijah, you may sometimes feel discouraged or alone, but God's work continues through His way, using His chosen workers.
The question is not whether God can use you, but whether you will respond like Elisha—immediately, wholeheartedly, and with bridges burned behind you. The kingdom of God awaits your faithful service. The same God who used Elijah, Elisha, Hazael, and Jehu desires to use you for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
May we leave this place today with renewed commitment to serve our faithful God, knowing that He who has begun a good work in us will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). God's work, accomplished through God's way, using God's workers—and that includes you and me.
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Blessings,
Pastor JM Raja Lawrence
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
email: lawrencejmr@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 9933250072
