RCL Readings Sunday 27 June 2010
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62

Reading the account of Elisha picking up Elijah’s mantle of leadership (2 Kings 2:1-2,6-14) after Elijah had completed a farewell tour of prophetic centres has a few contemporary rings to it this week! The reading is packed with symbolism: the places; the actions; Moses like parting the waters; being carried up into heaven; picking up the mantle. Elisha picks up the symbol of Elijah’s prophetic call, the mantle, in so doing he indicates his willingness and commitment to the prophetic task of confronting kings and officials with God’s judgement. Elisha also receives the promise of God’s leading as he too parts the waters of the Jordan. An obvious focus for our prayers this week is that of leadership succession: within our nation; within the Methodist Church as the President & Vice President designate are inducted at the British Methodist Conference; within the life of local churches. Prayers too for those who have a prophetic vocation of challenging the powers and authorities with the claims of the Kingdom of God.

The reading from Galatians (5:1,13-25) also has a very contemporary ring to it. It begins with a reminder that as Christians we have been released from “a yoke of slavery” but warns us not to use such freedom as an “opportunity for self-indulgence” (v.13). There are still forces that enslave people today and our prophetic task is to confront and challenge them in the name of the Gospel. As often happens in scripture the word is also turned back on us to confront and challenge our attitudes and behaviour. Paul initially puts the spotlight on how we treat one another summing up the law “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (v.14) and rounds on their tendency to “bite and devour one another” (v.15) – such behaviour (whether words, actions or attitudes) is highly destructive of people and community, so let us prayerfully examine how we respond to each other. To pick up the mantle of discipleship is to be “led by the Spirit” and to experience “the fruit of the Spirit” (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) ripening within us – spend time this week focusing upon this nine-fold manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit and how that fruit is manifest within us as individuals and as a Church.

There are two related parts to the set Gospel (Luke 9:51-56 & 57-62). There was a clear focus to Jesus’ ministry – his “face was set towards Jerusalem” and that sense of vocation and task to be accomplished meant he wasn’t welcomed in this Samaritan village. The disciples wanted to obliterate the village, but no need, their judgement is that Jesus “went on to another village” (v.56). A challenge for us all is: do we want to keep Jesus simply where we are or are we prepared to be caught up in his mission and move on with him? The second part of the reading picks up further excuses for not moving on now, for delaying, for putting off the call. Can we pick up the mantle of Christian discipleship and follow wherever Christ is leading and whatever he is calling us to do and to be? Reflect upon Songs of Fellowship 1120 “Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?” in your prayers this week.