“Ahab sent the message to all the Israelites. He gathered the prophets at Mount Carmel. Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you hobble back and forth between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow God. If Baal is God, follow Baal.” The people gave no answer.” 1 Kings 18:20-21
Dear St. Lukers,
Okay, so we can all agree 2020 was rough and 2021 has tried to rival it. We all know that. But do we know all the powerful and amazing ways God has been working in the midst of the crazy? I mean really powerful things have happened and not just in the world or in our nation, but right here, in our community and congregation, in you and through you.
When we choose God first as Joshua called us to last week in Joshua 24, God gives us a vision and purpose for our lives. Not just for our individual lives, but collective lives focused on pulling back the curtain in every day moments, so others can see love or mercy, goodness and kindness, so people can see the Kingdom of God’s vision of creation revealed.
Our theme for understanding how to live the story is ACCOMMODATION. When we accommodate the world around us, the results may be shiny or produce earthly prosperity, but the transformation doesn’t hold up for eternal significance. However, when we accommodate God’s purpose and plan, serving God’s will and vision for our lives, individually and collectively – we can accomplish so much more than we can ever dream or imagine. 1 Kings 18:20-46 tells a story that proves what a life surrendered to choosing to serve God can produce. Powerful moments that give people hope, prove God’s strength, and changes lives. We’ve seen it happening, you’ve been a part of it, and we will talk more about it on Sunday in worship.
If you weren’t able to join us for Wednesday’s “LEARN” study last night, make sure you watch before Sunday to set the stage for how we engage this word and 1 Kings 18:20-21. (By the way, this isn’t your great grandfather’s Bible study, this is crazy fun stuff! We’ve talked about extraterrestrials, a king getting killed with a sword on his “throne” or chamber pot – you never know where we are going to go when you learn the Bible!)
Maybe what you learn will even give you hope for finding your role in this gift of a story God has created us to tell. We are also excited as our music this week will all be centered around a jazz style so come check out what John Mason and our amazing group of talented musicians have planned for us.
See you Sunday – where the power of what we can do as we choose God together as St. Luke’s is not the same without U!
Jenn.