A DOUBLE DOSE
Sermon: A double dose. June 26th 2 Kings 2: 1-2, 6-14.
Prayer: Gracious God, we remember the times we detour from your path and you intervened. We give you thanks. We acknowledge the repercussions still lingering with us. Help us to walk forward as faithful companions. We pray for the Spirit of truth to keep walking with us. Amen
In the year 2020, we were told that everyone needs a second dose of Corona virus vaccine. Today we need double, triple and fourth doses to keep us healthy. It took me awhile to figure out Tim Horton’s coffee order “double, double,” means double portions of sugar and milk. I was never a coffee drinker before I moved here but quickly learned the ritual of coffee gathering. Some of us need a double, double portion added to our coffee to keep us going.
Many centuries ago, Elisha requested a double portion of Elijah’s spirit to rest upon him. A double dose of Spirit tremendously shaped his character for leadership and his faithfulness to God. Elijah was a spiritual mentor to the young prophet Elisha. They were on a journey together from Gilgal to Jordan before God took away Elijah in a whirlwind before the eyes of Elisha.
The prophet Elijah was a leader of extraordinary courage and wisdom. He challenged the political rulers of his time. He opposed the policies of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel during their governance over Israel. Queen Jezebel enforced laws that compelled the people to worship materialistic gods such as Baal. It was Elijah who reminded the community of faith of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. God requires justice and faithfulness.
On the journey Elijah took Elisha to the places that bear deep spiritual significance for the people of Israel. At each of these places God intervened in an undeniable way. After the Israelites crossed over the Red Sea from Egypt they pitched tent at Gilgal. They thanked God for their deliverance from the bondage of Pharaoh. Gilgal was their base of operation and entry point into the Holy Land under the leadership of Moses and Joshua. Gilgal signifies the simple basic religious beliefs and reform for a spiritual life. God shows up and reforms the community of faith.
In Genesis 12: 8 Abram pitched tent at Bethel. Abram and Sarah were on a journey from their homeland in search of the new land God promised them. Abram built an altar and offered a sacrifice to God. Later Jacob on his run away from God and home rested at Bethel. Jacob wrestled with his guilt after he betrayed his brother Esau of his birthright.
God intervened in a dream. Jacob saw a ladder stretching from earth to heaven and God spoke to him. When Jacob woke up he built an altar and worshiped God. “How awesome is this place; there is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Then Jacob consecrated the site as a place to worship God.” God shows up with grace and forgiveness. (Genesis 28)
Jericho is known as the “city of palms.” It was a border city that controlled migration between the north and south. The walls of this fortress city stood in Israel’s way. God shows up with a strategic plan and the walls of Jericho fell. God’s intervention allowed the Israelites to move forward on their journey. The stories of Jesus tell of the miracles of healing near the city of Jericho with Zacchaeus and the two blind men. “All things are possible with God.”
Finally, the two crossed over to the Jordan. The river Jordan is a recurrent motif in Israel’s history. It does not always represent peaceful unification. Many battles were fought in the fjords of Jordan. Elijah wanted Elisha to know the significant past of God’s intervention in order to move forward. Elisha call to leadership demanded both character and conviction of faith in God.
At this point Elijah said: What can I do for you? If you were asked that question today personally: What would you say-lots of money- millions of dollars, win the lotto, long-life of health and wealth, financial recovery for family. All are great answers as each person has different needs but what can I do for you at HLUC. What would you say? I get the feeling I would hear- like we used to be before or a new vision to move forward or a reformed community of justice and love. Many dreams and visions both of the past and future are great.
I heard a story for us to ponder: A couple went to a Rabbi to help them sort out the name of their child. The parents could not agree on the name of their child. The father said I want to name the child after my father Joseph and the mother said No! I want to name the child after my father Joseph.
The Rabbi said so what’s the problem the name is Joseph. The mother said well Rabbi the problem is that his father was a drunkard and didn’t go to church. My father was a devoted man to God and lived an exemplary life in the community. The Rabi said well the answer is straight forward name the child Joseph and as the child grows up you can decide which of the two father’s character and conviction shaped him. The nurture of character and conviction of faith in God are the responsibilities of the community.
A few weeks ago we re-visited our faith story at HLUC. You replayed the experiences that shaped the leadership roles and spiritual growth in your life. God shows up on the journey and brought you this far by faith. It is the Spirit of Truth who gives direction, guidance and wisdom and shapes your spiritual journey. The Spirit of Truth reforms the community of faith.
The Spirit of truth helps with discerning who we are in relation to God. We are God’s children and companions walking with each other. “How awesome is this place; God shows up with love and grace for all people. Examine the places in your lives where God significantly shows up. Discover how God reforms you to live in community relationships.
Elijah left behind his sleeveless mantle for the young Elisha as a reminder of God’s mighty presence. This table is a reminder of the real and mighty presence of Jesus. We remember the humility of Jesus and the power of love given to us through these gifts of bread and wine. We ask Jesus for a double dose of the Spirit of Truth to set us free from fears, illness and burdens. God shows up at this table of inclusion with the miracle of healing and justice for all. Celebrate the mystery of our faith where God shows up in an undeniable way and reform us. Amen.
