Scripture Readings Leading to
Sunday November 19, 2006
2 Kings 4 & 5 Elisha’s Miracles
Luke 4:31-5:26 Jesus’ Miracles
This week we will have another story about an oil jar which does not run dry. This particular miracle by the prophet Elisha is similar to the miracle by Elijah we studied a couple weeks ago and both are similar to the miracles Jesus performed as recorded in Luke’s gospel. Miracles are miracles and we seem to live in their midst most of the time. We may or may not see our daily life events as miracles, but someone else probably does.
As we are preparing for Nov. 19th, our Stewardship Celebration Sunday, we would do well to consider these miracles. Even on some of my worst days, I am still very blessed. I need to grow in ways to express my thankfulness. Not because it is required for entry into eternal life, but rather, precisely because I have been offered eternal life I need to offer gifts as an expression of God’s grace. It (what ever “it” is) all is a gift from God in the first place anyway. I am only a caretaker of all that is placed before me.
If I consider myself as God and offer myself the position of one who creates and decides, then I will also do with the resources around me as I see fit. If I consider myself as unworthy to even participate in that wondrous thing God is doing and then neglect the need to invest the treasure in self and others, then I again fail and fall short of God’s plans for those to whom much is given.
I think we need to do our part. Be faithful, in season and out. I think we need to listen, reflect and then act outwardly toward the stranger and widow who have no hope. As we are faithful and see our lives full of love and peace as the jar of oil not running dry, I believe we will move just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7
Sermon Title: “The Price of Oil”
