2 Kings 1-2

(August 3, 2014)

                What I find fascinating in the story of Elijah and the soldiers is how clearly it indicates where our loyalties should be in a conflict between government and Church.  How many members of the Church would put their loyalty to the government (or political party) first, and their membership second.  Perhaps they, like the first and second company, might confront the Prophet (as is happening now), seeking to bring about the Prophet’s conformance with their desired political outcome.  And, like the first and second company, we see those doing this now being consumed by fires of their own making.

                The third captain, though, clearly indicates the correct approach.  Perhaps there are some things that we are obligated to do for the government.  Perhaps our political beliefs might differ from those in the leadership.  But our central approach should be informed by the understanding that the person we are dealing with is a Prophet of God, and as the Lord’s servant we must be cautious in how we relate to them.