So here is your homework for the week. I want to encourage you to read I Kings 17-19 and II Kings 2. Ok, I know you don't even know where I and II Kings is. Well, to be honest, in 35 years of ministry I don't think I have ever preached a sermon from this text. It's kind of amazing really, because it is the story of one of the great prophets of the Old Testament, Elijah. Elijah is such a central figure that he is one of the three who meet Jesus on the "Mount of Transfiguration" (Luke 9) and to this day he is a figure in the Jewish Passover. A place is set at the table and the door is left open for Elijah to come because he is seen as the forerunner of the Messiah. It's a powerful story of a brutal time. Quite frankly, we might be a little more humble about criticizing violence and revenge in other people's sacred texts after we have read some of these stories in our own. But that is another matter.
I'd like you to read I and II Kings because they form the basis for the monumental work the Chancel Choir will be presenting on May 4--Mendelssohn's "Elijah". Since Judy is trying to learn it, we listened to it on our way up north this week. What a majestic and overwhelming piece! Our own Chris Vaught will be back from Texas to sing the lead so you won't want to miss this. In preparation for the May 4th concert I will be preaching two sermons from the Elijah narrative--just picking up two of the key incidents in his life and ministry. But to really grasp the full power of the music and the story, you need to be familiar with the whole thing. So do a little digging in the Old Testament, find the books of the Kings and read the tales of Elijah. Then come prepared for the sermons and the song. And while you are at it, why not invite a friend to come with you to the concert and maybe even to worship? 80% of all first time visitors come because a friend invited them, so here is your chance to invite someone to something really special.
And remember...Rummage Sale starts next Sunday and South Wing renovation begins on the 29th. Good times at First Church!
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