The Second Week in February

Printable Guide

We Read…

The theme of fire and light comes up a lot in this week’s reading. Elijah is whirled away in a fire, we read about the devouring fire of God, and we see Jesus transformed and dazzling with light. God’s power is referenced in many ways in Scripture, but fire and light are some of the most common. This light is all-consuming; it catches our attention, it sends a signal that this is important, and it drives out any of the darkness surrounding it wherever it is. 

• How do you think the people in our stories felt when they experienced the light of God?

• Where do we need this powerful light in our own lives today?

2 Kings 2:1-12

Now the LORD was going to take Elijah up to heaven in a windstorm, and Elijah and Elisha were leaving Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here because the LORD has sent me to Bethel.” 

But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives and as you live, I won’t leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 

3 The group of prophets from Bethel came out to Elisha. These prophets said to Elisha, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master away from you today?” 

Elisha said, “Yes, I know. Don’t talk about it!” 

4 Elijah said, “Elisha, stay here, because the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” 

But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives and as you live, I won’t leave you.” So they went to Jericho. 

5 The group of prophets from Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master away from you today?” 

He said, “Yes, I know. Don’t talk about it!” 

6 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, because the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” 

But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives and as you live, I won’t leave you.” So both of them went on together. 7 Fifty members from the group of prophets also went along, but they stood at a distance. Both Elijah and Elisha stood beside the Jordan River. 8 Elijah then took his coat, rolled it up, and hit the water. Then the water was divided in two! Both of them crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “What do you want me to do for you before I’m taken away from you?” 

Elisha said, “Let me have twice your spirit.” 

10 Elijah said, “You’ve made a difficult request. If you can see me when I’m taken from you, then it will be yours. If you don’t see me, it won’t happen.” 

11 They were walking along, talking, when suddenly a fiery chariot and fiery horses appeared and separated the two of them. Then Elijah went to heaven in a windstorm. 

12 Elisha was watching, and he cried out, “Oh, my father, my father! Israel’s chariots and its riders!” When he could no longer see him, Elisha took hold of his clothes and ripped them in two.

Psalm 50:1-6

From the rising of the sun to where it sets, 

     God, the LORD God, speaks, 

      calling out to the earth. 

    2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, 

     God shines brightly. 

    3 Our God is coming; 

     he won’t keep quiet. 

    A devouring fire is before him; 

     a storm rages all around him. 

    4 God calls out to the skies above 

     and to the earth 

      in order to judge his people: 

    5 “Bring my faithful to me, 

     those who made a covenant with me 

      by sacrifice.” 

    6 The skies proclaim his righteousness 

     because God himself is the judge. 

         Selah

2 Corinthians 4:3-6

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are on the road to destruction. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of those who don’t have faith so they couldn’t see the light of the gospel that reveals Christ’s glory. Christ is the image of God. 

5 We don’t preach about ourselves. Instead, we preach about Jesus Christ as Lord, and we describe ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 God said that light should shine out of the darkness. He is the same one who shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

Mark 9:2-9

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone. He was transformed in front of them, 3 and his clothes were amazingly bright, brighter than if they had been bleached white. 4 Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He said this because he didn’t know how to respond, for the three of them were terrified. 

7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 

9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Human One had risen from the dead.

It can be easy to feel trapped in darkness. We feel lonely, like we are the only person who understands what is happening to us, and feel like everything is wrong. But amid darkness, God’s light shines. As we prepare for the season of Lent, we remember that while the world has its struggles and fights to resist the darkness of sin, God’s love will always overcome. 

We Think…

• What stands out to you in these verses?

• Does anything confuse you or not make sense?

• How do these verses compare to your own experience in life or the church?

• What are you considering?

• What questions come to mind?

We Feel…

• What emotions are you experiencing today?

• How are you making space for these feelings?

• Where have you seen God today or this week?

• What is pointing you to God (maybe it is something in creation, a friend or adult that cares for you)?

• What has God made new in your life? In your heart? 

• Have you experienced God in nature, light, or something else?

• Where can you see God when you need a reminder that God is with you?

We Believe…

In Mark 9, we read about Jesus’s transfiguration (or transformation, as the CEB says). This would have been shocking to witness! Moses and Elijah were pillars of the Jewish faith, so to see them standing with Jesus meant that he was really important, too, and it was obvious that this whole occurrence could have only happened because of God. The disciples knew it was important and wanted to live in this moment forever! But Jesus reminded them that there was work to be done. In our lives, we have really special moments with God, and it’s tempting to want to live in them forever - to build a tent at camp or retreat and just stay there. But we are called back to our lives to share what we have seen. We cannot stay in the church building, our campground, or those special mountaintop moments because Jesus has called us to go and live our lives in the world around us and bring others back with us!

We Practice…

Take a few minutes this week to reflect on how God has been a light in your life. 

• Where has God reassured you that you are not alone?

• Where has God signaled to you to show where you need to go? 

It might feel silly, but take a minute to physically remember God’s presence in this way: Turn off the lights in your room or wherever you feel the most comfortable with God. Take a few moments to sit in stillness. Then, turn on a flashlight, candle, or something that gives off a small light. Look at how much is illuminated by this one tiny light! Darkness can feel overwhelming, but God’s light will always shine through.