Worshipping at Home 11th February 2024
Home Worshipping 
11th February 2024

Welcome to Home Worshipping 11th February 2024!
Second Sunday before Lent

Bible Reading

Kings 2: 1-12

Mark 9: 2-9

Elijah Taken up to Heaven

When the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel .”But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.

The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the LORD is going to take your master from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” And he replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on.

Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.


When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”


As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.


The Transfiguration of Jesus

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and


Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”


Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead

Thought for the Day

This week's readings take us dramatically into the heavenly realms. Firstly in 2 Kings we hear about the handover from Elijah to Elisha as God’s chosen and trusted prophet. We also learn that Elijah did not appear to die in the normal human fashion but was somehow transported or raptured off to heaven. Many Jews from that time to this have remained firmly resolved that he will return again at the end of time.

In our second reading Elijah appears again in some ways confirming that he is still able to appear; but not only that Moses was there too. Their appearance alongside Jesus was likely confirmation that the three disciples in attendance found themselves with a partial view of the Kingdom of Heaven. It also showed them that Jesus clearly had a place reserved there and indeed his dazzling white appearance placed him as equivalent with God the Father. Further confirmation of his deity came with The Father’s booming voice ‘this is my son with whom I am well pleased’!

The disciples must have feared for their lives in the presence of such an awe-inspiring scene and it is no wonder that they were uncertain what to do or say. Such was their shock that Peter came out with his suggestion that they build an altar for each one of the prophets; not that Jesus would desire such a commemorative building but also it would place him as just a prophet rather than as The Messiah, the anointed son and true revelation of God. In any event Jesus was absolutely clear that the disciples should never reveal this occurrence to anyone until he had risen from the dead.

Everything about this passage confirms Jesus’ absolute sovereignty and power identical in spirit to that of the Father. We have to wonder then how or why any of us would dare to disobey his teachings or disregard them! But unfortunately we do just that, although most times without intent!

This Sunday we have a speaker from Christian Aid and it is also Racial Justice Sunday, both inextricably linked as we seek to find ways to fulfil Jesus' command. His command that all mankind, nationalities, communities, tribes, families and individuals are in God’s eyes equal in status and rights. The strong must support the weak and the marginalised; the rich must support the poor; the rulers must banish inequality, prejudice or selection; we all must eliminate slavery and oppressive control; we must not use each other for our own ends; Jesus calls for action.

If we can visualise the transfigured Jesus as he was then, dazzling white, then we can see him in all his glory as he is now in heaven. His call for justice and love in all mankind between each other is a command that cannot be ignored or disputed. Racial justice and Christian Aid embrace and serve this command - through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit may we support them in every way we can. 

AMEN

Let us Pray

Lord Jesus as we behold your glory in heaven may we obey your every command in love, charity and justice as we seek equality between all peoples; in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN

Prayer for the interregnum of the Parish of Beaudesert with Henley and Ullenhall (to be said during intercessions).

Almighty and everlasting God as we travel together through this period of interregnum we thank you for your everlasting love for us. Give us strength to accept this time of change and send us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with encouragement and hope for the future.

We ask that you help us to share responsibilities growing in faith and love with one another. We look forward to the appointment of a new Priest and believe you will send one best suited to your disciples in this parish and who will encourage many to join with us on our journey of faith. Amen
The Blessing

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always.


Amen.

 The Collect Prayer

Go before us, Lord, in all we do with your most gracious favour, and guide us with your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name, and finally by your mercy receive everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord

If you have any thoughts, questions or concerns, please contact us

Henley in Arden The incumbent   (Vacancy)



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