Episode The Miraculous Life of Elisha | Week 3
It’s easy to confuse Elisha with his mentor Elijah. Not only do their names sound similar but they also performed similar miracles. Come along with us to explore how Elisha and Elijah were similar, how they were different, and how they both represented God’s nature. Discover how Elisha went on to do even greater things than Elijah and how through their story we find out what God can do for us!
Chapter 11
What would you say you prefer? Do you find more joy in giving or in receiving? And why do you think you’re that way? Well, join the Discover the Word group as they continue a seven-week series about “The Miraculous Life of Elisha.” Mart DeHaan is leading Bill Crowder and Elisa Morgan to discover the important role Elisha’s life and ministry has in the bigger story that the Bible is telling. Week three begins with Elisha’s miracle for the Shunammite woman and uncovers an important insight about giving and receiving
Chapter 12
When’s the last time you got your hopes up about something only to feel disappointed when it seemed to fall apart? Well, you won’t want to miss this Discover the Word conversation as the group discusses what happened to the Shunammite woman after God miraculously gave her a son. Join them to discover how she responded when this miracle seemed to turn into a cruel joke
Chapter 13
Have you ever gone into a sneezing fit? Join the Discover the Word group for this conversation as hosts Mart, Bill, and Elisa explore what happened when the Shunammite woman’s miracle son . . . died. Discover the bigger story it tells us about how God works in our lives and find out what seven sneezes has to do with it!
Chapter 14
If you ever need anything, just let me know. So… how often do you take people up on that kind of offer? In this conversation, the Discover the Word group explores a follow-up to the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman. Join them to discover how this woman went from feeling totally self-sufficient to realizing she had a desperate need for help. Consider with them what that tells us about our own need for help and God’s abundant ability to provide.
Chapter 15
Do you remember connect-the-dot puzzles? Be part of the Discover the Word group as they explore how the Shunammite woman from Elisha’s story connects to another Shunammite woman from David’s story. Two women from Shunem, and what their stories can tell us about our own stories.
About This Episode
- Show Notes
Receive
Through the words of the prophet Elisha, God unexpectedly provided a Shunammite woman with a son. It’s another of the Bible’s “miraculous birth stories.” However, self-sufficiency and past disappointment made her hesitant to receive this gift. Explore how this event in “The Miraculous Life of Elisha” can help us reflect on ways that we might respond to God’s unexpected gifts in our lives. And as we continue to follow the story, we find that the Shunammite woman was filled with questions when her “miracle son” later died. Was God playing a cruel joke? But God shows us that, just like in our own lives, this devastation was not the end of her story. God miraculously used Elisha to bring the son back to life, reminding us that Jesus brings us from death to life too.
Reflect
- Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on this Scripture, what stands out to you?
- How did the Shunammite woman respond to God’s unexpected gift of giving her a son; how do you receive God’s unexpected gifts?
- The Shunammite woman was filled with questions when her son died, especially because he was God’s unexpected gift. Like her, can you remember anything in your story where God provided during a time of devastation?
- How did Elisha restore the life of the Shunammite woman’s son; how does this represent what God is doing in your life?
- How does the Shunammite woman from Elisha’s life connect to the Shunammite woman from David’s life; how can you see their similarities and differences in your own story?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Jesus, help me receive Your unexpected gifts with open hands. When I face disappointment, help me remember it’s not the end of my story. Help me to have confidence that You will be faithful to complete the good work You have begun in me. And help me to look for You to reveal Your presence in my life—as my protector, provider, and Father.”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode:
- Artos Academy
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