Elijah in a Whirlwind, Elisha in Tears

This Sunday, 2 Kings 2:1-14 will be our scripture.  It is a remarkable scripture -- full of fire and light -- a pyrotechnical masterpiece as Elijah, accompanied by flaming chariot and incendiary horse, is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind   This is a passage meant for Hollywood.  Take a look at the story, you might agree.  However, I find a much more tender story here.  Once you get beyond the spectacular vision of it all, you have a simple story of a younger man, Elisha, as he hopes to deal with the death of his mentor, the great prophet, Elijah.  This dilema is something we all face as we face loss in our lives.  Remembering the death of my mother 5 years ago, I remember thinking, "What will become of me?  What will life be like now?  Who am I now?" These are questions similar to those faced by Elisha in the story. 

On Sunday we will look closely at this story as we contemplate the wonder of loss and its implications for our lives.  

Blessings, 

David