Episode The Miraculous Life of Elisha | Week 5
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 21
Where are the places you volunteer your time and money, and what motivates your volunteering? Join the Discover the Word group as they kick off week five of their seven-week series about “The Miraculous Life of Elisha.” Mart DeHaan leads Bill Crowder and Elisa Morgan to explore more of the miraculous things God did to reveal Himself in Elisha’s life by discussing how Elisha refused a gift in order to help him keep the focus on how it was, and always is, God’s provision.
Chapter 22
It’s not always easy to honor others, especially when we feel like we’re not getting the honor that we deserve, is it? Well, in this Discover the Word conversation, the group discusses what happened to one of Elisha’s coworkers when he decided to dishonor Elisha in order to honor himself instead. Explore this cautionary tale about the sometimes disastrous consequences of self-promotion and pride.
Chapter 23
Have you ever wondered why some small and simple—seemingly insignificant—stories are included in the Bible? Then you won’t want to miss this Discover the Word conversation as Mart, Bill, and Elisa discuss Elisha’s miracle of the floating ax head. Was it really necessary? Discover how this strange little story can inform the big story the Bible is telling and how that can influence our understanding of God.
Chapter 24
Have you ever had inside information about something? You knew something that most people didn’t know? Well, join the group on Discover the Word as they explore a time in Elisha’s life when he was able to keep the king of Israel informed about his enemy’s location. It’s a miraculous twist on how Elisha was the source of an information “leak.”
Chapter 25
Are there older people who’ve helped you in your spiritual journey, and are there any younger people who you’re helping to see God? Well, in this Discover the Word conversation, the group explores how Elisha helps his young coworker to see God’s presence around him, and how this event in “The Miraculous Life of Elisha” can help us pray for the next generation!
About This Episode
- Show Notes
Receive
God did some miraculous things to make Himself known through Elisha’s life. Elisha refused a gift from an enemy army commander in order to keep the focus on God; when this army commander affirms his belief in God, we’re inspired to see how our example can influence others. When Elisha’s servant was afflicted because he went after the gift from the enemy army commander, we’re reminded about our need for the one true God. Elisha caused an ax head to float, revealing that God cares about even the smallest things in our lives. Elisha was surprisingly aware of enemy battle plans, showing that we can trust God who knows all things. And when God gave the Israelites victory over their enemy, Elisha prayed that the Lord would open his young servant’s eyes to see it—encouraging us to pray for the next generation.
Reflect
- Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you?
- Why did Elisha refuse Naaman’s gift (in 2 Kings 5:15-19), and what does that tell you about the importance of honoring God?
- Why did Elisha’s servant Gehazi become leprous when he requested Naaman’s gift (in 2 Kings 5:19-26), and what does this reveal about our need for God?
- What can the strange little story of Elisha floating the ax head tell you about the big story the Bible is telling, and how that can influence your understanding of God?
- How can you pray for the next generation, using the way Elisha helps his young servant see God’s presence as a guide (in 2 Kings 6:15-17)?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Jesus, help me honor You in my life and help me avoid trying to honor myself instead. Help me remember that You care about everything in my life, even the things that may seem small. Help me trust that You know all things, especially when I’m confused. And help me pray that the next generation will have eyes to see You. Amen.”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode:
Listen:
Read:
Watch:
This Week's Featured Resource
ODBM Print Subscription
Draw closer to God each day through inspiring Scripture and encouraging reflections. Sign up to receive our printed devotional monthly, quarterly, and even in large print!