All the Law and the Prophets

AM Psalm 75, 76 • PM Psalm 23, 27
2 Kings 2:1-18 • 1 Cor. 4:1-7 • Matt. 5:17-20

A common theme in the three appointed readings for today is “obedience” – that is, compliance with an order, request, law, or submission to another's authority.

In 2 Kings, Elijah is preparing to pass the mantle to Elisha and leave this earthly plane. Before this happens, Elijah commands Elisha to “Stay here,” while he travels to Bethel. Elisha replies, “I will not leave you,” and goes with Elijah to Bethel, to Jericho, and to the Jordan. Elisha is disobedient; he does not heed Elijah’s request to stay behind. His greater allegiance is to his mentor and friend from whom he does not want to be separated. Elisha is disobedient, yet faithful.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul admonishes the followers of Christ in Corinth to “be found trustworthy” and to “not pronounce judgement” against themselves or one another. By following God’s commandments, they are as obedient servants and “will receive commendation from God.” In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds his followers that he did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it and that “whoever does them (the commandments)…will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

We are often called to be obedient, even when it does not seem to be in our best interest or support our personal desires. We are called to be obedient to God’s commandments when living in community with one another, as that is how we fulfill God’s will for all of us.

In this time of political and social division, perhaps it is good to reflect on what ‘obedience’ looks like. Giving up some of our “freedom” for the greater good of the community seems like a reasonable thing to ask. It is what God asks of all of us.

Written by Shannon Dillard Mitchell

...who coordinates the St. Paul’s parish hall gallery ministry and strives to be a humble and obedient servant to God’s commandments.