The Elisha cycle hammers home God's intention to remedy a creation gone wrong - and consistently pictures to us the great goodness and kindness of the Lord. It is also interesting the use of creation in remedying creation's ills. The flour in the pot, the multiplication of the barley loaves, and we started to hear about Naaman where the waters of the Jordan with a promise of God will effect a great healing. God heals the creation from within, and that's all pointing toward the great and final healing from within brought about through the Incarnation of the Eternal Word - and His healing wrought through the creation in the Sacraments.
Also in the NT reading from Ephesians 6, I am reminded of how Korby pointed out the insoluble connection between taking the "sword of the Spirit, the Word of God" and "praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication" as modifying HOW we take up and put to use the sword.
Finally, I never noticed before how St. Paul ascribes peace and love with faith as being "from" God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Gifts from God for us to live in and enjoy.
I've read all this before, but somehow having it in "chunks" really has driven home to me the point of why people thought Jesus was the new Elisha.
ReplyDeleteElisha heals the sick.
Elisha raises the dead.
Elisha feeds many with only a few barley loaves.
Fascinating.
Awesome readings! Thanks Bill - I have been following you since the HT Conference,
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
John