So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?”
Elijah shows no jealousy of his successor but rejoices to leave God's work in such capable hands. Elisha was called not in the schools of the prophets but at his plough, proving that honest work is no bar to heavenly calling, and idleness is no man's honour.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Kings 19:19-21
As Elisha has ploughed his earthly field with twelve teams, so he shall plough the spiritual field of the twelve tribes. Elijah's permission to return is no constraint laid upon him, but a recognition that the calling rests on free will touched by God.
AI summary
Natural affection for parents deserves respect, but it must not hold us back when God calls us to serve Him. The duty to God takes precedence over even the strongest family tie.
AI summary