Elisha left and followed Elijah as his attendant. Unlike many of the prophets, Elijah and Elisha left no writings about the mission from God. Their actions are, from our perspective, fierce, including killing those opposed to God. The Biblical author suggests that their zeal for the Lord of Hosts was necessary because the faithful following of YHWH was in the balance. Since the king was wavering in his loyalty to God the people also entertained alternatives. Throughout the ages there has been a similar temptation to have one’s zeal for God express itself in violence — the crusades, the inquisition, the wars of religion, the witch trials. However, attention to the way that Jesus acted points us in another direction. Instead of more force, more love will effect the kind of change that will re-orient people to a faithful discipleship. Light is what drives away darkness.
JUNE132026
By Church Staff
