Wednesday, January 22, 2020
2 Kings 2: Weathering the Whirlwind
The whirlwind is something we fear – when we feel its ominous approach all we can think of is change with instability and unpredictability. What if we were to shift our perspective slightly so that rather than be governed by fear of the future, we might be governed by trust and obedience? What if we respond with awe at God’s power rather than fear of the unknown? This is what we witness in the story we read today in which the mantle of prophecy passes from Elijah to Elisha in the presence of an amazing whirlwind.
Elisha wisely asks for a double portion of spirit rather than wealth or fame, and when we read to the end of the chapter we see the dimensions of the power invested in Elisha. What he blesses is blessed many fold; what he curses is cursed harshly. And all of this comes from his perseverance in trusting his creator.
Footnotes give us more information about Gilgal, the Jordan River, and the prophets guild; but the more important message here might be this: That when the earth shifts beneath our feet in a tectonic tremor of change, when a quick drop in barometric pressure harbingers one of life’s devastating storms, and when our hair stands on end with fear of what we suspect is coming and do not fully understand . . . we will do well to respond simply rather than rashly. We must trust the Creator who has made us and loves us, follow the example of Jesus as the Christ who saves us and protects us, and we must hold in awe the overwhelming power of the Spirit who heals us and transforms us. Then we too, will speak like the holy prophets to kings.
Written on August 11, 2010 and posted today as a Favorite.
The Noontimes 