Prayer: Dear God, help us to journey together faithfully with those around us through whatever is to come. Amen
Reading: 2 Kings 2: 1-12 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: One of my favorite lines in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy comes near the end of the first book when the Fellowship is breaking up. Frodo determines he must continue on his journey alone but Sam, his faithful companion, absolutely will not leave his side. Frodo says, “I am going to Mordor (alone).” and Sam responds, “Of course you are. And I’m coming with you.” The text today about Elijah and Elisha reminds me of that scene. The Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind so Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind while he goes to Bethel. Elisha would hear none of it responding, “I will not leave you.” Once they get to Bethel, the prophets there tell Elisha the Lord is going to take his master away that day. Again, Elisha brushes it off with a, “Yes, I know, but do not speak of it.” Elijah again tells Elisha to stay put while he goes on to Jericho but Elisha again responds, “I will not leave you.” The prophets in Jericho tell Elisha the same thing and Elisha responds the same way, “Yes, I know, but do not speak of it.” Next stop, Jordan and, as before, Elisha tags along despite Elijah’s urging. Why? Elisha is determined to stay by his master and will not be deterred. Still, Elijah is about to ascend to heaven so he asks Elisha what he can do for Elisha before leaving. “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit,” was Elisha’s request and it was granted. We are on this journey of life faithfully together. With whom would you have this conversation? (Name): “I am going to (through) __________ alone.” You: “Of course you are. And I’m coming with you.” --Ruth Gates, Camp Mount Luther Family Camper
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