The readings for the third Sunday after Trinity are taken from 1 Kings 19:9-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; and Luke 9:51-62. Eastertide is still rising and the breath/wind/Spirit of God from Pentecost is still moving God’s people through their course of life in this world. Today’s lessons compare Jesus’ last trek to Jerusalem, Paul’s counsel on how to walk, and Elijah’s run to a cave.
In the lesson from 1 Kings, Elijah hides in a cave because Ahab and Jezebel want to kill him and he assumes that he is the very last and only believer left in the world. God always asks the best questions. What is Elijah doing there? Hiding from danger. What danger? God passes by the cave in wind, earthquake, and fire—forces so powerful that they tear the mountain apart . . . but God is not in them. God comes in a still, small voice. The voice of Jesus in the Gospels; the voice of the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible; our voice when we share truth and grace with others. God reveals that there are many people still loyal to Him because He is the One who creates loyalty in us. God reveals leaders who will succeed Elijah and work restoration.
Paul writes to the Galatians to stand fast in liberty. Paul explains what real liberty is, how God brings us into it, and how to keep it—by using it for others. Liberty is never just from something(s) but also, always, toward something(s). If we walk by the Spirit, we will keep retreating from the works of the flesh and will be aware of the fruit of the Spirit, which God is producing in and through us.
Luke records how Jesus had a hard way to go: to Jerusalem to be crucified. Samaritans help urge Him along, contrary to the apostles’ assumptions and their reaction. How alert should we be to assuming that God does not know what He is doing or that He isn’t doing anything? Jesus uses plain language to describe the life of those who would walk after Him. Nowhere in this world to rest? Leave the dead, leave the family, beware of everything that would keep you from following Him and in so doing come to rest in honesty about dependence on God, who is always, utterly, wonderfully dependable.