June 30, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for June 30th: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62 Theme: passing on responsibility to our kids 2 Kings: This is the story of the end of Elijah’s ministry. Elijah has a special relationship with God, so he will not end in an earthly grave, but he will be taken up to heaven. Elijah is one of the most important messengers of God. He defined what it means to have a relationship with God, yet devote your life to teach others. When Elijah is no longer with us, a great amount of wealth will be lost. Luckily, Elijah has been training another prophet to take his place – that is Elisha. Elijah and Elisha may have the same knowledge, but they are vastly different people. Elisha knows that his mentor is not going to be around forever, so he tries to learn as much as he can. His request to Elijah is that he have all of his knowledge. Elisha receives Elijah’s red mantle which is the keeper of all of his knowledge. Elisha is forever grateful for being present when God took Elijah away. Galatians: This is a continuation of last week’s conversation, of the difference between life in the flesh and life in the spirit. And that once we have changed our life, things should get better for us. Many people think that living a faithful life can hold us down and stop us. Paul says that life in the spirit actually gives us a sense of freedom. We get to turn all of our burdens over to God. we don’t have to figure out all of the answers for ourselves. Paul also tells the consequences of each life. Life of the flesh is a selfish life with selfish results. Life in the spirit is godly life, with godly results. Your receive the fruits of the spirit. We have to be careful that what should be old habits, do not reappear in our lives. Paul says that we avoid that not allowing negative emotions, anger, jealousy and arrogance come into our lives or our thoughts. Questions: What was your relationship with your mentor? What mantle of knowledge did they pass on to you? Who are your mentoring? How do you avoid negative emotions? What do you do when they are present in your life?