THE PLOW

A plow can be viewed as both a burden and a blessing; all depending upon how we as individuals perceive it to be.  Oftentimes the blessing is disguised as a burden.  Work is a burden but it feeds us, clothes and provides for us; it gives us purpose and hope for a harvest in the new season. 

When Elisha was out plowing in his family field and the Prophet Elijah came by, it wasn't a coincidence or happenstance that he came upon him.  Most children in biblical times didn't study and sit at the feet of scribes or Holy men but instead were instrumental in keeping in line with the family business.  However, I do believe that what Elisha was doing during his time walking the line and life laid out before him in a line of rows – one after the other – endless, boring and monotonous – was that he prayed as he took every deliberate step to stay in-line, on pace and on course.

God had heard his prayers and had, in his perfect timing sent the Prophet Elijah to change the course of history and diverted his path to a life coloring outside the black and white lines of a regimented life that was preset by generations before him.

There is a miserable comfort in doing what we have always done and what our forefathers have done before us.  There is honor in following in the footsteps of those that preceded you but there is great blessing and favor of God the Father when we pray, wait and receive what had been hidden and unspoken in the heart of a believer.

Jesus taught that once we put our hands to the plow, that we shouldn't look back.  Elisha was plowing straight ahead, doing what a good child would do in his situation.  It was the man of God that showed up and tossed his mantle upon him.  He ran after the Prophet because he knew that his prayers had finally come to fruition and that it was now time for him to step into a realm that many often don’t see; and that is to see God do what he said he would do.  Many are watching and waiting to see if God will do it in another’s life, all while wasting their prayer time that could be used for their own good; that is, waiting and trusting God for the answers they seek for their own life. 

Jesus said take his yolk upon us, for his yolk is easy.  In all actuality, the oxen are really doing all the strenuous work; they are the beast of burden.  Our job is to follow in behind them.  Jesus is doing all the work, we just have to follow in behind him and wait for the opportunity to run after.  It’s coming – that is if you keep on praying!