A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church on Sunday, July 27, 2003, Trinity VI. Please read II Kings 2:1-15.

Words like responsibility, duty, obedience, perseverance, endurance, and commitment are not often spoken of in the context of Christian faith, but they are an important part of the Spiritual life of the Christian. In the reading from 2 Kings 2, Elisha demonstrates the kind of persistence and commitment that are commendable to God’s people at any time. When it was known among the prophets that Elisha’s mentor, Elijah, would soon be taken to heaven in whirlwind, Elisha would not be persuaded to leave his side. On one occasion, Elijah asks his disciple, “What may I do for you, before I am taken away?” Elisha replies, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” Elijah’s response points to the commitment and perseverance that would be necessary for the request to be granted: “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if not, it shall not be so” (2:9-10). Elisha’s hunger for spiritual things was such that he complied with the condition given to him; and he indeed saw Elijah taken into heaven, and his heart’s desire was granted him. Elisha’s obedience and persistence resulted in God’s blessing.

It is sad that Christian’s too often see a division between sincere service to God and concepts such as duty and commitment. It is supposed that if someone does something out of duty or obedience it cannot be at the same time an act of love. Yet, the Scriptures make no such division. As Saint John writes, “This is love for God, to obey his commands, and his commands are not burdensome” (I John 5:3). John clearly connects love for God with obedience to his commands - there is not contradiction between the two. In fact, one might say that the two things are of necessity to be taken together. One area where one’s understanding of these matters comes to bear in the Christian life is church attendance. It is supposed that if one attends divine worship out of a sense of duty or obedience then the whole endeavor has been spoiled. Now certainly we should not give our service to God grudgingly, but we are to come together in obedience to his command. A failure to recognize this coupling of duty and love, puts the worship of God on the same level as entertainment, and the church is pressured into making the church service as “appealing” to people as possible, so that they will “feel” like coming. Let us follow the example of Elijah in love and duty to our Savior Jesus Christ, who offered himself for us, both out of love and obedience to the Father.
Amen.