October 26, 2009

Texts:
2 Kings 1 to 3
Ephesians 2

Kings:
If you needed more reminders about why not to worship false Gods, here's another one. Let this be a reminder to us as well. If the Kings of Israel couldn't keep that command straight, how arrogant are we to think we can?
The King then decides to use might and Elijah calls down consuming fire to meet all of his armies.

Elisha inherits, literally and metaphorically, the mantle of Elijah. What are the mantles you have inherited? How heavy are they on your shoulders?

And this is one of my favorite passages concerning youth ministry. Elisha is walking down the road and a bunch of teenagers start making rude comments "go away baldhead". So, when you have unruly teenagers, just quote scripture to them:
"When he turned round and saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. ²⁵From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and then returned to Samaria." (2 Kings 2:24 and 25)

Ephesians:
Remember Ephesians is exalted worship language. All of this "lifted up to the high places" language is slightly different than Paul's other letters. It seems to reflect a later development of the church's understanding of worship.