Thursday 16 June 2016

Psalm: Psalm 104:1-23

Background

It is easy to overlook these three verses, coming as they doafter Elijah's encounter with God on MountHoreb.

A mantle (verse 19) was generally a large, loosely fittedgarment make of animal skin, something akin to a cloak. But it wasmore than just a piece of clothing: prophets were known for wearingmantles as a sign of their calling from God. Just as the physicalmantle covered a person, it also represented a spiritual covering,or the person being covered by God. Interestingly, in biblicaltimes, the throwing of a mantle was also said to be part of theprocess of adopting a child. So Elijah is 'adopting' Elisha andinviting him to follow the prophet.

Although God is not directly mentioned in this passage, Elijahis obeying divine instructions revealed in 1Kings 19:16. It is worth noting that Elisha understands exactlywho Elijah is doing, even though the prophet said nothing. Theaction is all that is warranted.

There is an interesting contrast between the calling by Elijahwhere Elisha kisses his parents farewell, before being told to "goback again" (v. 20), and Jesus who commands his disciples just toleave their family (Luke 14:26). Quite why Elijah tells his newfollower to return to his family is uncertain. Could it be thatElijah has doubts about what he has done, rather than Elisha.

Note Elisha's actions in verse 21 of slaughtering the oxen, andpresumably using their yoke to fuel the fire. It is both a farewellgift and feast for his friends and family, but also a sign that hewill not be returning. A modern turn of phrase would be 'burningone's boats' or even 'bridges'.

To Ponder

• Has God ever spoken to you by actions, rather than words? Whathappened?

• It is unusual to see that it is Elijah - a man of faith - whohas doubts, rather than his protégée Elisha. How do you cope withdoubt? And what would you say to someone who tell you that theyhave doubts about God and their faith?