October 28, 2009

Texts:
2 Kings 6 and 7
Ephesians 4


Kings:
In a very "Obi Wan Kenobi" moment, Elisha sends the Arameans off--"this is not the droid, I mean city, you seek". I had never noticed that before. But I love the clarity of vision Elisha seeks for his servant, allowing him to see the surrounding host of angels protecting them from the army. Have there been times when that veil has lifted and you have seen the Divine presence more clearly?

But then the story gets dark. The Arameans surround Samaria until the people run out of food and are killing children to eat. The King of Israel decides to kill Elisha (since the messenger seems to be easier to punish than God is). Deliverance comes, but not for the King. This passage seems to be about patience to me. And I'm too impatient to appreciate that.

Ephesians:
At least this text isn't about patience. But it is about being kind, and not being snarky and mean spirited. Alas. And it has gorgeous language for the life to which we are to aspire. Which verse in this chapter really speaks to you today?