A pig and a hen sharing the same barnyard heard about a church’s program to feed the hungry. The pig and the hen discussed how they could help.

The hen said, “I’ve got it! We’ll provide bacon and eggs for the church to feed the hungry.”

The pig, very mindful of what this implied, said, “That’s fine, but while you’re making a contribution, I’m making a real commitment!”

No turning back for the pig!

Is that not what we are called to as faithful believers? We are called to be fully committed! We are called to love, sacrifice and commit in ways the world finds odd.

Speaking of odd, on Sunday we looked at the story of Elisha. I have read this story so many times, (if you have a chance take a read). The verse that always gets me is this: He burned the plow.

Elijah was a great prophet who did many miracles, but the time had come to pass the torch on to a younger man. God chose Elisha.

Elijah found Elisha out plowing his fields. Elijah walked up to him and threw his cloak over him, which was a sign that he was passing his prophetical anointing to the younger man.

After Elijah threw his cloak over him,Elisha responded immediately to God’s call,and went back to kiss his mother and father goodbye. But here is the other thing he did. The odd part. He burned all his farming equipment and hada giant barbecuewith his fellow workers. He was so sure and committed that he didn’t keep any of the farming equipment just in case this prophet gig didn’t work out.

He burned the plow. He burned the symbol of his former life. He burned the source of his former livelihood.

There was no turning back. There was no plan B. There was no safety net.

He burned the plow.

Every time I time read this it makes me think of my own commitment. Have I burned the plow? Am I as committed as the hen or the pig?

And then I wonder: Is Godcalling us, as Amberlea church or as individuals, to make a change that requires burning the plow?

Here’s the thing. Just as Elijah placed his cloak of blessing on Elisha, so to has God placed His blessing on you! It is the Holy Spirit who lives in you and works through you.

You have been anointed and appointed (1 John 2:20).

You have been chosen and handpicked to do work which He has planned in advance for you to do (Ephesians 1:4, 2:10).

Elisha did twice as many miracles as his predecessor. And here’s what Jesus says about you:

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12 NIV).

God calls and equips. When we commit to God we will do even greater things. And in our faithfulness, be prepared to be blessed beyond anything we can hope, think or imagine!

So, two questions to you AND to me:

· Are you a hen or a pig?

· Will you burn the plow?