All In for God – June 30, 2025
Read: 1 Kings 19:19-21
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant.
1 Kings 19:21
All In for God
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Are you a fan or a superfan? No, weāre not talking about the spinning fan in your room! A fan is someone who likes their favorite team, singer, TV show, or video game. But some people go even furtherātheyāre superfans. They know every fact, every song, every episode, and cheer no matter what.
So, what kind of fan are you? Are you really into your favorite team or showāor only when it’s fun?
Elijah was all in for the Lordās work. He had served God for many years, even when it was super hard. People didnāt always like what he said, and some even wanted to hurt him. But Elijah kept going because God helped and protected him. Still, it was time for someone new to become Godās prophet.
Who would be brave enough to follow Elijah? Who would be that dedicated to doing what God wanted? God chose a man named Elisha. Elisha was working on his farm when Elijah showed up. Right away, Elisha showed he was all in. He cooked a big meal using his farming tools for firewood and said goodbye to his parents. Then he went to learn how to be a prophet!
Now, Jesus isnāt asking you to be a prophet like Elisha, but he is asking you to follow him. How all in are you? Do you follow Jesus only when it’s easy, or are you willing to follow him even when itās hard?
That can be tough. We have lots of blessings and fun stuff that can pull our hearts away from Jesus. But hereās the good newsāJesus never gave up on us. He was fully committed to saving you. He gave up everythingāeven his own lifeāto take away your sins. Because Jesus did that, you can trust him and follow him your whole life with joy and confidence.
Closing Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you were all in for me. You gave up everything to save me. Iām sorry for the times Iāve followed other things more than you. Help me trust you and be all in for you every day. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What has Jesus called you to do as one of his followers?
- How did Jesus show that he was all in to save you?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why did Elisha have to be brave and all in to be a prophet?
- What makes it hard sometimes to follow Jesus with your whole heart?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Elisha gave up his job and said goodbye to family. Whatās something you might need to give up or say ānoā to in order to follow Jesus better?
- How can Elishaās choice help you when you need to make a hard choice to follow Jesus?