When discussing commitment, the story of Hernán Cortés is often told. A Spanish conquistador of the 16th century, Cortés landed in Mexico with the intent of conquering the Aztec Empire. To show his commitment to the mission, Cortés famously commanded his army to burn the boats upon arrival. This extreme and unorthodox act communicated to his army that retreating was not an option. They must survive and finish the conquest victoriously. Because of this inspiring story, “burn the boats” has become a mantra for all who desire an unwavering level of commitment.
There is a biblical version of this mantra: “boil the oxen.”
First Kings 19:1–18 presents Elijah as a struggling, depressed prophet who is ready for his work to be over. His energy is expended, his faithful work has been finished, and he is prepared to move on from this life. God, upon seeing the state of his faithful prophet, gives Elijah just two more missions: anoint Jehu to be king over Israel and anoint Elisha to be the prophet in his place. He departs from the mountain and finds a man from a wealthy farming family named Elisha. Upon seeing him, the Bible says that he “cast his cloak upon him” (v. 19b), signifying the passing of responsibility from Elijah to Elisha. Yet, it appears that Elijah casts his cloak on Elijah only to continue moving, as though words were unnecessary to issue the call. Elisha, realizing the significance of what has just occurred, leaves the twelve yoke of oxen he had been working with to chase after Elijah. He asks whether he can pay respects to his parents before departing forever, a question to which Elijah nonchalantly responds with affirmation (v. 20b).
Elijah’s response can be interpreted in more than one way, but Elisha’s response to the call is one that clearly expresses one singular, committed message. He returns home, pays respect to his parents, then sacrifices the twelve yoke of oxen to God. Not only does he sacrifice them, but he boils their flesh and provides a feast for “the people” (presumably his father’s household). After this celebratory feast, Elisha leaves his wealthy home forever to follow the footsteps of the old prophet Elijah.
This story, though interesting and inspiring as a narrative alone, deserves personal reflection. God calls us to count the cost of becoming disciples of Jesus, understand the sacrifice to be made, and then deny ourselves to follow him (Lk 14:25–33). It is a road that should expect suffering, as illustrated by the worn-out prophet Elijah, but that suffering is part of the cost of Christ (Rom 8:17). The commitment that is expected of a Christian leaves everything behind to follow in the footsteps of the one who made the way (Heb 2:10). It endures life on earth, the very existence of which is suffering compared to the glory of heaven (Rom 8:23), to receive the reward.
Answer the call, “boil the oxen,” and follow Jesus with the joy of one who gets to live in the household of God.
Nate Kidwell
Dalraida church of Christ is a congregation of Christians that meet in the mid-town area of Montgomery, Alabama. Our goal and purpose is to seek and follow God and His Word in everything that we do in life.