Good morning! Congrats on making it to another book of the Bible! You guys rock. 2 Kings basically follows the same flow as 1 Kings but instead of Elijah as the primary prophet, it's Elisha. Today's reading is another really important one in the life of our Jewish friends, but I'll share more on that below.
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about humanity?
What does this teach me about the relationship between the two?
What is significant about Elijah as prophet?
- My Thoughts -
I'm choosing to focus most of my time on that 4th question. Elijah was a very important prophet because he was the first person in the Bible to perform a ressurection and the last to do it before Jesus would. Also, Elijah, like Moses before him, never officially die - instead they are carried off to heaven. That is why Elijah and Moses are the ones to appear before Jesus at his transfiguration later on. Not only do they represent the law and the prophets but they also represent the condition that messiah would be the return of Elijah. While we believe that Jesus is the fulfillement of the messiah prophecy, for our Jewish friends they still anticipate with longing the return of Elijah.
Elijah also just seemed like a great guy to have around. I love the interaction he has with all the kings he advises. You can tell they are bitter enemies and do not see eye to eye on anything but they respect one another. I laughed out loud the first time I tried to do the audio bible when the king yelled out "Elijah of Tishbe!" when Elijah was causing trouble to him. These stories have so much character.
Elisha on the other hand seems more familiar to older prophets or judges from previous books. He seems moody and is quicker to condemn and curse than he is to be diplomatic. It's too early to say for sure, but as we read on it will be important to compare Elijah to Elisha.
Prayer:
Beckoning God, as you moved in the lives of Elijah and Elisha, move in our lives, inviting us to journey to unknown territory, to listen for your voice, and to speak your prophetic word in a world that does not want to hear. empowered by your Spirit, grant us the courage we need to journey, trust, listen, speak, and accept your commission to be your faithful servant people. Amen.
Commentaires