We encourage you to read this devotion
three times a day. Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning
reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the
noon question for reflection. For the evening, take time to ponder how
this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening
question. We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we
invite you to pray what is in your heart.
2 Kings 2:1-12
Key Verses: vv. 1-3 Now when the LORD was about to take Eli'jah up to heaven by
a whirlwind, Eli'jah and Eli'sha were on their way from Gilgal. And Eli'jah
said to Eli'sha, "Tarry here, I pray you; for the LORD has sent me as far
as Bethel." But Eli'sha said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself
live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. And the sons of
the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Eli'sha, and said to him, "Do
you know that today the LORD will take away your master from over you?"
And he said, "Yes, I know it; hold your peace."
Reflection:
This is the goodbye
passage between Elijah and Elisha.
Both of whom were godly men and spiritual leaders of their people. I struggle with goodbyes, especially
when they are forever goodbyes. As
a pastor, a large part of my job is walking with people as they say their final
goodbye to a loved one. It is both
a privilege and a burden. I
have learned so much along the way as I have journeyed with those who have been
in the midst of final goodbye's. I
have cried with them and laughed with them. I have celebrated with them and mourned with them. I have seen deep spirituality and
hollow faith. Crisis reveals
character. In our text today,
Elijah is on his way and trying to prepare Elisha for his departure. Elisha, like most of us, doesn't want
to say goodbye. However, he offers
us an important lesson as he replies to the others around him. He says "hold your
peace." I have seen this
posture, in the midst of the storm death brings, lived out with vivid
color. Indeed, with God all things
are possible. Maybe you are in a
"goodbye season" right now.
If so, learn from the example Elisha gives us- claim the peace and be
steady. If not, you will, soon
enough, find yourself in a goodbye season. Don't forget this example. For all of us, remember God is with us in every situation-
urges us on and granting us the strength to endure. May this become truth and light in your life.
Reflection Questions:
Morning:
Who
do you know that is currently going through a "season of goodbye's"?-
say a quick prayer them What is
one thing that you have learned from the Bible or from someone else about how
to respond during a "goodbye season" of life?
Noon: As you have thought about the scripture
and reflection this morning, what has risen to the surface and how is God
speaking to you about those things?
Evening: What goodbye season of your life has
been the toughest? Who offered the
most light and hope in your darkest hours?
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit come. Fill me with your divine presence and
consecrate me as a child of God.
Strengthen me with a spirit that will withstand the trials of life, especially
in times of tragedy and loss. Help
me be a beacon of light in the dark days that others might be
experiencing. Help me be a refuge
and strength in times of weakness.
Make me an instrument of your peace. Come Holy Spirit Come.
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