By the Spirit

2 Kings 5:19-27

1 Corinthians 5:1-8

There is an interesting factor that binds together two of our readings today. In both the 2 Kings and 1 Corinthians passages there is reference to being present in the spirit. “But (Elisha) said to him, “Did I not go with you in spirit when someone left his chariot to meet you?” (2 Kings 5:26); “For though absent in body, I am present in spirit…” (1 Corinthians 5:3).

The community of faith is essentially boundless in these passages. Neither the prophet Elisha nor the apostle Paul were limited by distance in their ability to know and participate in what was going on. Spiritually they were very much present to those from whom they were separated. Pardon the pun but each of them “were apart from the action, but at the same time a part of the action” as God allowed them to be. Their spiritual awareness and their authority gave them the ability to bridge gaps, to discern truths, to offer guidance, and to hold others accountable. In our world of instant communication we may believe we have the same opportunities to reach out to one another, to bridge all gaps, to be in all places as once. But it was a spiritual focus that gave Elisha and Paul insight into what others were doing. We may use all the technology at our disposal but unless we use it according to God’s will we are, as Paul says elsewhere, “a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1) whey it comes to interacting.

Elisha and Paul were very much attuned to the spiritual life and allowed that spiritual aspect of their lives to guide their work to the glory of God. May we do the same.

Prayer: Lord, help us to reach out in love to one another, offering encouragement and support according to your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.