Third Sunday after Pentecost (June 29, 2025)

Undivided Attention: Part 3 “Undivided Commitment: Burning the Plow”

Text: 1 Kings 19:19–21

Big Idea: God calls us to follow Him with undivided hearts, letting go of what holds us back, and trusting that He equips us for whatever lies ahead.

Law: We cling to our comforts, our past, our security. We hesitate to follow Jesus fully.

Gospel: Christ never hesitated. He went to the cross for us with undivided love, calling us to follow—not alone, but in His strength.

The goal of this sermon is to help the hearers recognize that, just as God called Elisha through the prophet Elijah, so He calls each of us through Christ to follow Him with undivided hearts. This call is not casual or convenient—it demands that we lay aside our attachments to the past and move forward in faith. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to burn the “plows” in our lives—whatever keeps us from full devotion—and follow Jesus with no turning back.

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Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Dear friends in Christ,

Imagine standing at a crossroads— one path paved with the familiar comforts and routines that have shaped your life, the other leading into the unknown, guided only by the voice of God.

Now imagine being asked to turn your back on all you’ve known—not because you have a clear map of what’s ahead, but because the Lord has called.

That’s exactly where Elisha stood when Elijah cast his prophetic cloak upon him. In that moment, Elisha faced a defining decision—cling to what was safe or follow where God was leading. His response gives us a powerful picture of undivided commitment—the kind of commitment that burns the plow and follows without looking back.

Today’s theme, “Undivided Commitment: Burning the Plow,” invites us to consider what it means to follow God with our whole heart—letting go of what lies behind and trusting that the One who calls us also equips us.

As we turn to Elijah’s story and the faithfulness of the God who called him, let’s remember this truth: that same God still calls ordinary people today—people like you and me—to walk forward in faith and be part of His extraordinary work.

I. THE CALL COMES FROM A FAITHFUL GOD

Let’s begin with Elijah. Earlier in 1 Kings, Elijah had stood on Mount Carmel, calling down fire from heaven, proving that the LORD is the true God, and defeating the prophets of Baal. But when that dramatic moment didn't lead to Israel’s repentance, Elijah ran. He fled into the wilderness, exhausted and despairing. He even asked God to take his life. But God did not abandon him. Instead, God came to him— not in wind, earthquake, or fire— but in a gentle whisper. A still small voice.

And in that moment, God reminded Elijah that He was still at work, even if Elijah couldn’t see it. One of God’s instructions was to anoint a successor: Elisha. God’s faithfulness continues through the generations. Elijah’s ministry was coming to an end, but the Word of the Lord would not be silenced. God would raise up Elisha to carry it on. God is always faithful—even when we are weary. He raises up people in every generation to carry His Word forward.

As we turn from reflecting on Elijah's journey, standing at Mount Carmel and then hiding in the wilderness, we see that God did not abandon His prophet but instead reassigned him a vital task.

This leads us to Elisha, who receives a momentous call through Elijah. What makes Elisha’s response so significant? It is his radical, irreversible decision to follow God's call without looking back. Let's delve into Elisha's radical response to this divine call and the profound commitment it represents.

II. ELISHA’S RADICAL RESPONSE: NO TURNING BACK

When Elijah places his cloak on Elisha, it’s no casual gesture. That cloak represents the prophetic office—God’s call to leave everything behind and proclaim His Word. And Elisha understands. He doesn't hesitate. Yes, he first asks to say goodbye to his parents—but then, in a dramatic act of commitment, he slaughters his oxen, burns his plowing equipment, and prepares a farewell feast. This is no symbolic gesture. It’s an irreversible decision. Elisha is leaving behind a prosperous life. Twelve yoke of oxen suggest he was part of a wealthy family farm. But there will be no going back. He burns the bridge—quite literally.

Much like Elisha, who burned his plow, history tells us of a Spanish explorer, Hernán Cortés, who ordered the burning of ships to ensure his men's commitment to a new journey, symbolizing a no-turning-back mentality. This drastic act mirrors Elisha's decisive response to God’s call. However, unlike Cortés seeking conquest, Elisha's act of burning the plow signifies a spiritual commitment—to leave a life of comfort for a divine calling—teaching us about embracing ones a new identity in Christ.

Elisha shows us what undivided commitment looks like. No backup plan. No spiritual half-measures. Just wholeheartedly embracing ones new identity.

Elisha's response challenges us to consider our own commitments to God. Do we have ‘ships’ or ‘plows’ we need to burn to fully embrace our faith journey?

What are the “plows” in our lives that we hesitate to burn?

So far, we have reflected upon the Call that comes from a Faithful God and Elisha’s radical response.

It was Elisha’s decisive action, much like the explorer Cortez that exemplifies complete devotion and trust in God’s calling. But how does this ancient commitment connect to our lives today, and what deeper commitment does it point us to? For this, we turn to the commitment of Christ.

III. CHRIST’S GREATER COMMITMENT MAKES OURS POSSIBLE

But Elisha’s story, while inspiring, isn’t the center of our hope.

In our Gospel reading from Luke 9, Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem. He knows what lies ahead—rejection, suffering, the cross. And He goes anyway.

When would-be disciples come to Jesus, He doesn’t sugarcoat the cost. He says, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Jesus wasn’t merely calling others to costly commitment—He lived it. He journeyed without a home, without comfort, without rest, until He reached the cross—the place where He laid down everything for you and for me. And in that sacrifice, we see the undivided heart of God—a heart set on redeeming us.

Let’s be honest. We don’t always respond like Elisha. We hesitate. We second-guess. We like the idea of following Jesus—until He asks for the part of our lives we’re most reluctant to surrender.

For some, the “plow” might be a career path that prioritizes success over service. For others, it might be a lifestyle of comfort—the reluctance to open one’s home or schedule for the sake of hospitality, prayer, or discipleship. It could be a long-standing grudge, or an identity shaped more by politics or family heritage than by the cross. Sometimes, it’s simply the fear of change—not knowing what will happen if we really let go and follow where Christ leads.

Gospel: But here is our hope: Jesus never hesitated. His face was set. His heart was steady. His love was undivided. He laid down His comfort, His security, His very life—not for the committed, but for the conflicted. Not for the bold, but for the hesitant. For us.

And now—in Baptism—He clothes us not with Elijah’s cloak, but with His own righteousness. And in this righteousness we have a brand new identity.

With Jesus’ righteousness and the Spirit's power, we are equipped to face our fears and doubts and take meaningful steps in our daily lives.

Because Jesus' love is undivided,

our grudges can be dissolved,

our comforts surrendered for His greater mission,

and our fears transformed into bold steps of faith,

thereby burning the plows in our lives and to walk the path of the new identity He has already walked for us—one of grace, purpose, and eternal hope.

It is the Holy Spirit who now guides us as we step boldly into the life God has called us to live, fully clothed in Christ’s righteousness and filled with His courage.

Having seen the unwavering commitment of Jesus, the question naturally arises:

What does such commitment look like for us today?

How do we live out this call in the ordinary paths of our lives?

God may be asking some of us to burn the “plows” we have in our lives, by saying goodbye to past lives,

and He is certainly challenging all of us to identify and let go of anything hindering our full devotion.

In the same way Elisha followed Elijah, and St. Paul faithfully endured suffering for Christ’s sake, we are called to walk in Christ’s footsteps with undivided hearts. Let us explore what this means in our daily lives and how we can live out this call with boldness and joy.

While Elisha’s story is inspiring, it is Christ’s journey toward Jerusalem—a journey fraught with rejection and sacrifice—that truly underpins our ability to respond with undivided hearts.

IV. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US TODAY?

God may not call you to leave your job or burn your tools, but He does call you to an undivided heart, which is part of your new identity as a baptized child of God.

He calls you to let go of sin.

He calls you to prioritize His Word and His kingdom.

He calls you to serve your neighbor with joy.

And He gives you the power to do it—not in your strength, but in His.

Just as Elisha followed Elijah, just as St. Paul followed Christ through weakness and suffering, so we follow Jesus. This world is not our home. Like Jesus, our path leads heavenward.

Conclusion:

Dear friends, God has called you.

He has clothed you in Christ's righteousness, given you a new identity,

and He has equipped you by His Spirit.

Like Elisha, who left behind everything to follow God, we are invited to burn the plows in our lives— leaving behind whatever holds us back.

This is no small calling, but empowered by Christ's undivided love for us, we trust in His provision and walk boldly in faith. Let us move forward, following the One who set His face toward the cross—for you and me. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, You called Elisha, and he followed with an undivided heart. You called Paul, and he boasted in weakness for the sake of the Gospel. You sent Your Son, and He did not turn back from the cross. Grant us, by Your Holy Spirit, that same undivided devotion. Burn away our fears, our comforts, and our idols. Fix our eyes on Jesus. And lead us in the path You’ve prepared—joyfully, boldly, and faithfully. In His name we pray. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

P: Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Gracious Lord, You called Elisha, and he responded with undivided commitment. You set Your face toward the cross and did not turn back. Strengthen us, Your Church, to follow You with hearts fixed on Jesus. Strip away our hesitations and burn the “plows” of divided devotion. By Your Spirit, make us bold in faith, steadfast in trials, and joyful in service.

Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

Faithful God, Raise up workers for Your harvest field who will proclaim Your Word in truth and love. Be with pastors, missionaries, teachers, and all who serve publicly in Your name. Strengthen their hearts against discouragement. Especially be with those preparing for ministry, and those discerning Your call.

Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

God of the living, You set us free from bondage to the works of the flesh, that we may live and walk by the Spirit. Enable us to embrace our new identity we received in Holy Baptism, so that the fruits of the Spirit may be manifest in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

Almighty God, give Your grace and Spirit to the nations and those who lead them, especially our nation’s president and Congress; our governor and legislature; and all who make, administer and judge our laws. Teach us to wisely contend for the faith within the public square so that Your voice may be heard by all people. Inspire and equip us by Your Spirit, that we may be led to every virtue in character and holiness of life.

Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

God of refuge, Your salvation draws near to all who trust in You. Grant peace to Your people, and show us Your salvation. Because are the God who heals and restores we give thanks that Mike Hafele is recovering well following neck surgery, and that Cal Bauer is making visible strides after his stroke. Continue to bless their recovery. We pray for the family of Ralph Hanson, who entered into eternal rest in the Church Triumphant this past week. Comfort Natalie and all who grieve with the sure hope of the resurrection. Be near to Gabe Jensen, and strengthen him in body and spirit. We also pray for Hailey, that Your Word would take root in her heart and bring her to saving faith in Jesus. Be near them all, including those whom we name in our hearts, as the refuge of the weary and the God who preserves His people.

Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

Lord of the Nations, We thank You for Blake Toavs, who was sworn in to his service in the U.S. Navy. Grant him protection, courage, and a deepened faith as he enters this new chapter in his life. May he find fellowship and strength in You wherever he is sent.

Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, Bless all families and vocations represented in our congregation. Give us courage to let go of anything that hinders our walk with You. Help us to follow You without hesitation—at home, at work, and in our community.

Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray,

Our Father, who art in heaven…