Elisha

Playing It Safe Is Holding You Back

October 19, 2025    Pastor Sam Goins

God has a mantle with your name on it, and a calling bigger than the field you’re standing in.

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 [Elisha] and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away.   1 Kings 19:19 NLT

God often chooses the one at the back of the line.

… Elijah went up to [Elisha] and threw his cloak around him.   1 Kings 19:19 NIV

addereth: large, heavy garment made of animal hair, representing spiritual authority and anointing

We risk what we should protect and protect what we should risk.

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!” …   1 Kings 19:20 NLT

One of the biggest marks of spiritual maturity is a short time span between God’s command and our obedience.

You don’t have to understand completely to obey immediately.

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. 1 Kings 19:21 NLT

You can’t hold the plow and the mantle at the same time.

What plow do you need to burn so you can fully follow Jesus?

God has a mantle with your name on it, and a calling bigger than the field you’re standing in.