Weekly Reflectionsfor the week of July 13, 2014:
Monday – Read 1 Kings 16:1-17:6
Every other time in scripture when a prophet speaks on behalf of God, there is a moment when the prophet actually receives the word from God. This doesn’t happen with Elijah. Many scholars believe he went on his own initiative. What can Elijah’s boldness in this passage teach us about telling a good story?
Tuesday – Read 1 Kings 17:7-24
Our stories become worth telling when they are grounded in God’s greater story and when we share God’s heart for other people. How does Elijah show compassion to the widow and her son?
For whom does your heart break?
What is something in the world that bothers you?
How can you take a step closer to it?
Wednesday – Read 1 Kings 18:1-15
We tend to celebrate the heroes who do the big and flashy things. Some of the most amazing heroes are people who daily go unnoticed. How does Obadiah demonstrate how one of these overlooked heroes lives?
Thursday – Read 1 Kings 18:16-46
This is one of the most famous scenes in the entire Bible. In this passage, how does Elijah show us what a hero’s character looks like?
What is something for which you are willing to take that kind of stand?
Friday – Read 1 Kings 19:1-18
Talk about dramatic! Why, after such a huge victory, does Elijah sink into such deep despair?
Identify the various ways God comforts Elijah after his meltdown. When have you experienced a time of despair?
What brought it on?
How did you experience comfort?
Saturday – Read 1 Kings 19:19-21 and Luke 9:57-62
Why did Elisha kill his oxen and burn his plow?
What does this teach us about what it takes to live a story worth telling