Old Testament reading: 2 Kings 1-2
Going out in a blaze of glory. 2 Kings 1-2 brings to a dramatic conclusion the ministry of God’s man Elijah. Elijah had three encounters with soldiers sent from Ahaziah. In the first two, 102 of the king’s men were consumed by fire from heaven. The third captain of 50 came “with his hat in his hand,” and in so doing he saved his life and the lives of his men. After the death of Ahaziah, which happened according to Elijah’s word, Elijah takes Elisha beyond Gilgal, Bethel, and beyond the Jordan. Elijah is carried up to heaven in a whirlwind, and not a chariot of fire as is commonly believed. It was a chariot of fire that separated the two as Elijah was carried to heaven. I love the statement of Elisha as he returned home to assume his new duties. Standing at the Jordan, he cries, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” As he had crossed the Jordan on dry land with Elijah, he crossed back on dry land as well. Elijah’s ministry begins with miracles, particularly the “healing” of the water at Jericho and the female bears that mauled 42 disrespectful young men.
New Testament reading: Acts 9-10
Acts 9 details the conversion of Saul. Unlike what most will tell you, Saul was not converted on the road to Damascus. Yes, he changed his mind about Jesus of Nazareth, but he could not have become a Christian on the Damascus road. This is evident from the Lord commanding Saul to go to Damascus where he would receive instruction on what he must do to obey the Lord. Of interest in this reading is a phrase found in Acts 9:14 and 9:21, specifically, those who “called on the name of the Lord.” Who are these who called on the name of the Lord? A reading of Acts 2:21-41 and Acts 22:16 provides the identity of those who have called on the name of the Lord. Specifically, these are those who have obeyed the gospel by being baptized to receive the remission and washing away of sins. Ananias’ use of “brother” does not indicate that Saul was a brother in Christ, but rather that he was a fellow Jew. This moniker is used numerous times throughout Acts between Jews who were not brothers in Christ.
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