Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 19 - Verse 21

After Prophet Elijah called Elisha to follow him, Elisha sacrificed his oxen and used the plowing equipment as firewood to cook the oxen. This act symbolized Elisha's commitment to leaving his former life behind and following God's calling through Elijah. By sacrificing his livelihood and feeding the people with it, Elisha demonstrated a total surrender to God's will and a willingness to embrace the new path set before him.

Elisha's act of sacrificing the oxen and equipment can be seen as a representation of leaving the old ways and embracing a new journey of faith. It symbolizes a breaking away from the comfortable and familiar to embark on a path of unknown challenges and rewards. By preparing a meal for the people with the oxen, Elisha also showed his generosity and hospitality, traits that would serve him well in his future ministry alongside Elijah.

Following this act, Elisha committed himself to serving Elijah, showing his dedication and obedience to God's chosen prophet. This marked the beginning of Elisha's journey as a prophet in his own right, learning from Elijah and ultimately succeeding him. The verse captures the pivotal moment when Elisha made a definitive break from his old life and embraced his new calling with passion and dedication.

One possible theological interpretation of this verse is that it showcases the radical call to discipleship. The act of Elisha leaving behind his livelihood as a farmer to follow Elijah demonstrates his immediate and total commitment to serving God. By slaughtering his oxen and using their equipment to feed the people, Elisha symbolically leaves his former life behind and embraces a new calling. This act of sacrifice could be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' call to his disciples to leave everything behind and follow him. The word "ministered" in this verse emphasizes the idea of serving and supporting Elijah in his prophetic ministry. This act of service and discipleship is a reminder to us today of the cost and commitment required to follow God wholeheartedly.