Logos -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6:14; Luke 9:51-72

We started our vacation today, and spent most the the day driving from home to the beach. There are two tunnels on the WV Turnpike. This photo is of one of them. Have you ever noticed when you go through a tunnel that you can't really see where you are going? You don't know, from looking, what will be on the other end of the passage.

There is an interstate in Pittsburgh which runs through the western part of the city. As it nears downtown, it goes through a tunnel. The first time I drove on that road, and passed through the tunnel and out the other side, I was amazed at what I found. Coming out of the tunnel, the city just burst upon my eyes. Pow! There is was. I wouldn't have guessed that was going to happen based on the ride through the tunnel.

As we follow Christ, there are a couple of things that we do know. We know our eventual destination -- the presence of God. We know that we do not travel alone. But other than that, what do we know?

Take a look at a couple of the lectionary readings for the week:

1. In the 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 passage, Elijah is being followed by the new prophet, Elisha. Three times, Elijah tries to get Elisha to turn back. Elisha doesn't know where he is going, or what is going to happen when they get there, but he is persistent and loyal. Elisha knows that he trusts his mentor, Elijah, and that he trusts God.
2. In the Gospel of Luke (9:51-72), someone asks Jesus if they could follow him. He replies that ,"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." Luke 9:58). The path you are following may be bumpy. It may bring you trials and hardships that you did not anticipate. Jesus is not going to let these travelers walk on the road, thinking that the way will be easy. It will not.

Persistence and faith in God -- necessary elements on the journey.

Images: The first tunnel on the WV turnpike. A sea shell from this afternoon.