Weekly Devotion Feb. 15th




Feb. 15 is the Transfiguration of our Lord. The First Lesson is 2 Kings 2:1-12.

 When they had crossed (the Jordan), Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you." Elisha said, "Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit." (9) 

 By now we have all heard the incredible story about Evan Leedy and James Robertson. Leedy is a 19 year old student at Wayne State University who recently learned about a hard working middle-aged man in Detroit who has never missed a day at work, even though he has to commute for 21 one miles each way, walking seven of those miles between long, arduous bus rides. He quit driving 10 years ago when his old car died and the cost of auto insurance sky rocketed out of control. Leedy used his phone to create a go-funding site in hopes of raising enough money for Robertson to buy an affordable used vehicle. In response, concerned and compassionate people have donated over $300,000, and a local auto dealership has given James Robertson a brand new car of his choice.

 This is a most amazing story. Neither Leedy nor Robertson ever expected such a thing. Both of them were just trying to be faithful and do the right thing in their context. The question it raises for me is, why can't this happen more often? What if by using media resources, people like Leedy randomly ask others for donations to help ordinary people like Robertson, and by such a means of compassion we begin to alternate the growing imbalance between rich and poor? Oh, I know how quickly the public is bored by such things, and I know how easily such a social fabric could be exploited by crooks of every sort. But, imagine just for a moment, if you will, how much real difference such behaviors can make. Is that any less miraculous than Elijah ascending to the sky and Elisha receiving a double share of his spirit?

 Imagine what it truly means for ordinary people to be transfigured by grace.

 Pastor Rob

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Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245