Monday's thoughts

"Jesus and Elijah"
What do you say to your dead ancestors?"

This relationship between Jesus and Elijah is an interesting one. In fact there were times in which it was thought that Jesus was Elijah who had returned from the dead. When Jesus was talking with his disciples and he asked, "Who do people say that I am?" Peter responded, "Some think you are Elijah."

Elijah confronted Baalism in the 9th century before Christ. He confronted the idea that God is a fertility God and that God can be manipulated to perform as we wish. Baalism was a worship of nature and it was exactly opposite from Yahwehism which was a monotheistic worship of one God.

Yahwehism encouraged believers to rise to the level of worship of the one God. Baalism encouraged its believes to seek to win he favor of their god so as to advance or thrive in the world.

This is a classic struggle between worship and superstition. It was more than just a name (Yahweh or Baal). It was the difference between being faithful to something greater than ourselves and trying to appease something lesser than ourselves for the purpose of our advantage.

Jesus was very much in debt to Elijah. Elijah set the stage for Jesus many years before Jesus was born. Jesus was aware of the debt he owed Elijah.

Sunday, March 14th we will look at that complex relationship.

What do you think the difference between healthy worship of God and superstition? How does that apply to us today?

If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. if you are willing to have others read and respond to your thoughts click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Charles Schuster