Come and Follow me

CALL TO WORSHIP

The time is now; the Lord is here! He calls us in this moment. Rejoice in the fullness of his love.

HYMN

Come now is the time to Worship (StF 24)

GATHERING PRAYER

We gather in the power of your Spirit, O Lord. Give us the wisdom to live in the Spirit, and to show the fruit of the Spirit in who we are. Make us people of love, joy and peace; make us generous and kind; and help us to shape our lives with gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Amen.

Let our hearts be glad and our tongues rejoice. When we walk in companionship with the Lord we are filled with joy in his presence. Let us praise the Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION

Following you, Jesus, does not guarantee an easy life. There are challenges and obstacles as the sinful life constantly fights with our Spirit-filled life. We are sorry when our human condition takes over and we fight using our own efforts. We’re sorry for the times we retaliate when others are hurtful to us. We’re sorry for relying on our own ideas and neglecting the wisdom of the Spirit’s guidance. We’re sorry for all the excuses we offer to get out of things you ask us to do. We’re sorry for letting you down, for our complacency. We know some things can’t wait. And that you call for action.

Forgive us, Lord. Help us to centre our life on you, heeding the urgency of your call. Amen.

Jesus took action when it was needed. He suffered on the cross where our sins were nailed with him. We are forgiven. He paid the price for all our wrongdoing and set us free from the power of sin. Let us live in that freedom. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done.

On earth as it is in heaven,

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those that trespass against us,

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,

Forever and ever Amen.

HYMN

I, the Lord of sea and sky (StF 663)

Collection

READING 1

1 Kings 19:15–16 ESV

And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.

1 Kings 19:19–21 ESV

So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.

READING 2

Luke 9:51–62 ESV

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village. As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

HYMN

Will you come and follow me? (StF 673)

SERMON

“Come and Follow Me”: A Reflection on 1 Kings 19:15, 19-21 and Luke 9:51-62

Answering the Call: Discipleship in the Prophetic and Gospel Traditions

Introduction

If you use a search engine you can find great web pages such as ‘23 great excuses to avoid doing anything important’, Many of the suggestions will be familiar to us: ‘I don’t have time’; ‘I am not qualified’; ‘I don’t have the right equipment’. Some are just weird – for example: ‘I have to give the hamster a wash’; or ‘I don’t go out on days that end with the letters ‘d’ ‘a’ and ‘y’’. Excuses can be great to use, but they are not so great if you are on the receiving end. We may enjoy putting things off, but we don’t enjoy it when other people delay doing what we want done… now.

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament present us with stories of individuals called by God to leave behind the familiar and step into a new life of service to God. The passages from 1 Kings 19:15, 19-21 and Luke 9:51-62 are connected across centuries, each echoing the summons: “Come and follow me.” Looking at the parallels and contrasts between Elijah’s call of Elisha and Jesus’ call to discipleship, we can begin to understand what it means to answer God’s invitation. As we too face the question are we called to something beyond ourselves?

Age is never an excuse, God’s call can come to anyone, at any time, the question is are you ready?

1 Kings 19:15, 19-21: The Call of Elisha

In the aftermath of Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Horeb, God sends Elijah on a mission, part of which is to anoint Elisha as his successor.

The call from Elijah comes when Elisha’s is going about his ordinary life—he is ploughing a field with twelve yoke of oxen. Indicating he is from a rather well-off family,  

Elijah passes by and throws his cloak upon Elisha, it seems to us a little odd, but to the people of the time it would be understood this was as a powerful gesture signifying the transfer of prophetic authority and the invitation to follow.

As we read this Elisha’s response is immediate and dramatic. He asks only to say goodbye to his parents, then he slaughters his oxen and burns his ploughing equipment to cook the meat, to give to the people. The importance of this may be missed, he now has no way to return to his old life, if you like he literally burnt his bridges, Elisha turns and follows Elijah, committing himself completely to his new vocation.

•    The act of burning his plough and oxen symbolizes total commitment.

•    Elisha leaves behind family, livelihood, and security for the sake of God’s call.

Did you notice Elijah just carries on walking; Elisha had to run after him. Saying “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye then I will come with you”

I always found that what Elijah said next a little odd “What have I done to you?” but it appears it is more like, “it’s up to you,” follow me or don’t, it’s your choice.

He became an attendant to Elijah rather like Joshua was to Moses.

Not only that but now for the first time Elijah had a companion to share in his ministry.

Gary Inrig’s commentary on I & II Kings, has this to say.

MAIN IDEA REVIEW:

When times of discouragement and burnout overwhelm us, the path to recovery involves a new and deeper understanding of God’s purpose.

Times of shattered dreams and broken spirits come to the most unexpected people in the most unexpected ways at the most unexpected times. The strong are not always strong; the brave are not always brave; the trusting are not always free of fear and doubt. The experience of Elijah is a vivid illustration of this. There is encouragement in recognizing that the discouragement and burnout with which we battle is not something new or unusual. It is a product of our own frailty and the challenge of being involved with people who do not respond in the way we desire.

Elijah’s problem is simple to diagnose Jezebel had become bigger to him than God. This was not true on an intellectual level. Elijah would have denied any such perspective. But it had become true on a personal level. At his most vulnerable moment of physical, spiritual, and emotional exhaustion, a person had become big, and God had become small. It is a battle we all fight.

God’s ways of grace in the life of Elijah are full of significance for us. First, he gave him a new experience of his loving care and practical provision, ministering to his need for rest and refreshment. He also gave him new insight into his nature, helping Elijah see his God with a new depth. He then called Elijah to a fresh commitment to play the part God called him to fulfil. He also gave him a new companion who would share in this ministry.

We live in a different time than Elijah did, but God’s escape route from times of discouragement or burnout will follow the same path that put Elijah back into service.

Jesus rejected in Samaria

Samaria stands between Galilee and Jerusalem, so when he “sent messengers on ahead,” they had to pass through Samaria.

The townspeople rejected Jesus’ messengers “because he was heading for Jerusalem.” Many Jews refused to pass through the region of Samaria and went to the other side of the Jordan for this very reason.

This centuries-old animosity between Jews and Samaritans for over 400 years they knew how to hold a grudge. To the Samaritans the Jerusalem temple represented a false religion. So, they wanted nothing to do with Jesus or his followers.

Luke 9:51-62: Jesus’ Call to Discipleship

In the Gospel of Luke, it tells us Jesus “sets his face toward Jerusalem,” this is the beginning of his journey toward the cross. Along the way, various individuals encounter Jesus, and he challenges them by pointing out what it meant to following him.

The first says: “I will follow you wherever you go.” but Jesus warns that “the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head”—in other words discipleship can mean insecurity and sacrifice. The man clearly wanted to be one of the intimate followers, rather than one of the wider circle of followers.  

Overall, this is a great promise, but the question is how much this man understands what it truly means to follow Jesus all the way.

 If he is thinking of a comfortable life, going from village to village making friends and learning Torah, which was the normal purpose of a rabbinic student, he is sadly mistaken.

The way of Jesus is difficult and costly, demanding enormous sacrifice. He is not just a rabbi, dispensing wisdom and Torah as his followers memorize what he is saying.

He makes this clear in his response. The man must come to see what it entailed to becoming a follower of Christ, that a comfortable or even a normal life is not part of it. Jesus had no home. Even wild animals have homes, but not Jesus and those who join his God-given mission.

· To another, Jesus says directly, “Follow me,” but the man says he wants to bury his father first.

This is certainly a reasonable request, for burying your parents was a sacred duty and to fail to fulfil this duty was an ultimate disgrace.

However, the high priest and the Nazirites were called to avoid the corpse even of a parent.

So, when Jesus reply’s it sounds harsh but it’s to make a very important point.

“Let the dead bury their own dead” sounds unbelievably uncaring from the Jesus we know— the point is that following him has priority over everything, even one’s parents.

To follow Jesus is a high and holy calling, a sacred position much like a Nazirite, because his followers are called to obey a higher law, which is far more important than other duties.

But Jesus is not saying that his followers are to forget all obligations to parents or family in favour of him. Rather, they must make him their highest priority.

So, Jesus says, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

A third wants to say farewell to his family, but Jesus responds, “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

The third potential disciple is echo’s the example of Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19–21, who promised to accept Elijah’s call after he bid goodbye to his family. Elijah allowed him to, but Jesus doesn’t. When he asks to “say goodbye to his family,” Jesus responds again with a harsh warning: “No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (9:62). It is easy to miss the context of this in a society when commitment is often shallow. To follow Jesus is lifelong and all-consuming, not a casual joining of a movement for a little while.

The metaphor is drawn from the Elisha story he was ploughing a field when Elijah made his approach.

This is a heavy iron plough drawn by an ox and easily shifts out of the line in a field. One hand is on the plough, the other guiding the ox. For a farmer to “look back” guarantees the plough will swerve out of line.

For a disciple, it means to keep one’s attention firmly focused on Jesus and refuse to “look back” to the old way of life. Single-minded devotion to Christ and his teaching is essential. The world and its ways must be left behind. Christ demands our all.

These responses underscore both the urgency and the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus requires absolute priority, that goes beyond family obligations.

Parallels and Contrasts: “Come and Follow Me”

The echoes between Elijah’s calling of Elisha and Jesus’ summons to discipleship is unmistakable.

Total Commitment: Both Elisha and Jesus’ would-be followers are called to leave behind their past. Elisha destroys his means of livelihood, and Jesus insists on single-minded devotion.

Letting Go of the Past: Elisha’s burning of his plough we find in Jesus’ image of the plough—once the hand is set to it, there must be no looking back.

In both passages. the call is immediate, being prepared to step forward in faith, even when the road ahead is uncertain.

The Cost of Discipleship: In both texts it’s made clear that following God’s call comes with a price—comfort, security, and even family ties may have to be left behind.

Yet there are also differences. Elisha is permitted to say farewell to his family, while Jesus asks for a more immediate action.

For me I think in the end Jesus knew those who approached him were being unreasonable and that what they presented as an acceptable reason was simply a delaying tactic.

Jesus’ response is quick and clear. He will take no excuses. He appears to be saying ‘Follow me now or not at all.’ Sometimes an excuse conceals the truth that is ‘I will do this when I have nothing better to do’ or ‘I am going to put this at or near the bottom of my to-do list.’

Conclusion: The Ever-Present Invitation

The stories of Elisha and the disciples remind us, that God’s call rarely comes in moments of leisure. It interrupts, disrupts, and demands a response. To “come and follow me” is to trust, to relinquish our hold on what we know, and to embrace the unknown road of faith. Whether through the mantle of a prophet or the words of Christ, the call is the same: “Come, follow me.” It is both a challenge and a gift, one that echoes through every age and every heart is willing to respond.

So, how can we experience God’s call? Often, people struggle with finding God’s call for their lives, how can we serve our church. For many, discovering God’s call is a mystery that seems to elude them. But if we are open we may hear the still quite voice of God.

HYMN

Be Still and know that I am God (StF 18)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

A prayer of thanksgiving

Some things can’t wait. Such as the need of people in this world to acknowledge and follow you, Lord. For who knows when you will return? We give abundant thanks for everyone to whom you give the cloak of evangelism and leadership. Our hearts overflow with thanks and praise: for our own salvation; for all who played their part in leading us to faith and nurturing us on our walk in freedom; and that we are no longer drifting in hopelessness, but secure in you. Your Holy Spirit leads us with incomparable power, strength and wisdom. And our heart’s desire to follow where you lead, with the fruit of the Spirit ripening within us. You have the power, Lord, to change our attitudes and our priorities. Our hearts are full of thanks and praise for the joy we know in you and the inheritance that can never be taken from us. Lord, we pray for others to know the same. Amen.

Loving Father, in this week’s Gospel reading we see Jesus responding to the situation he found himself in with calm.

This week we have seen some tension around the rail strike. As people react to this situation and with potential for other pay disputes we ask for calm and fair negotiations. We pray for those who mediate disputes and look to resolve them. May they listen carefully and speak with wisdom. We pray for patience, consideration and kindness in talks and ask that all involved find a resolution that works.

We also pray for those who are anxious about the cost of living. Help all who are struggling and worried about what the future holds.

Loving Father, bring calm in times of upset. Listen to our prayer.

Loving Father, in this week’s reading, when Jesus arrived in a village, he was not given a welcome.

We live in a world full of displaced people, many of whom experience what it is like to be unwelcome. As reporting from places like Syria and Yemen and even the Ukraine have moves down the news agenda, due to the situation in the middle east, we know that you see everyone who has been forced to leave their home; everyone who has fled in terror and everyone whose future is highly uncertain. Remind us to keep praying for people even when they no longer occupy the headlines. Thank you for the people who work diligently with refugees, for those who advocate for others and speak for people who have no voice.

Loving Father may those who have left their homes find welcome and a secure future. Listen to our prayer.

Loving Father, in this week’s reading we see that the call of Jesus requires us to pay whole-hearted attention to the work of the kingdom.

As we move through our week and around our neighbourhood help us to notice signs of the kingdom of God. We also pray for your kingdom to come here on earth. We pray for places that are suffering real unrest. We pray for Ukraine. We pray for people in India sin the aftermath of the tragic plane crash. We pray for Afghanistan now suffering the after-effects of an earthquake. We pray for people close to us who are finding life hard at this time.

Loving Father, bring your kingdom closer. Listen to our prayer.

Loving Father, this week’s reading shows us that we need to decide to follow Jesus.

There is so much competition for our time and attention: social media, the 24-hour news cycle. With all that we juggle each week help us to make space for Christ. Help us to prioritise our relationship with you Lord and to make time to learn more and grow in prayer. We pray for our church. We pray that we would help each other in our journeys of faith.

Loving Father, be with us this week as we follow you. Listen to our prayer.

HYMN

      Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart (StF 545)

BLESSING

May God grant us the wisdom to know what is important. May God guide us to act, to do what is urgent. May God help us to know the one we follow better each day. May God help us to be people who don’t always look back. May God help us always to be faithful and true. Amen.