Processed Miracles - Resistance SZN 2

we begin second SZN of our resistance collection; we’re journeying through Scripture chronologically.

The kings are reigning, most are evil. The Kingdom is split into north (israel) and south (Judah)..everyone of the 20 kings in north are evil. 8 out of 20 in south are good…so still not great.

You’re seeing how God raised up prophets to bring messages to point people back to God, despite the type of ruler.

2 Kings 4:1-7

Processed Miracles

INTRIGUE

This one of 7 or 8 miracles done by Elisha in this chapter sequence we’re reading.

The New Bible Commentary 1 Ki. 22:41–2 Ki. 8:29 During the Reigns of Ahab’s Sons

The cumulative effect of these strange tales (water, stew, & ax head) is to suggest what this phrase, “MAN OF GOD” means: he was not simply a pious man who served God but a man whose relationship with God was unique among the prophets of his time. Like Elijah earlier, he was in a very special sense God’s man for this moment in Israel’s history.

Some mirror Elijah, most parallel what experienced in the exodus.

Many point toward Jesus’ own miracles…whom also had a unique relationship with the Holy Spirit, doing things no one else on earth could do.

INTERPRETATION

God’s miraculous hand is a manifestation of His love and power.

He cares for those who feel unseen, forgotten or treated unfairly.

God’s kids are His...her status was secure…and not removing her need.

when we settle our identity as His children, we don’t see problems or failures or struggles as our identity.

God shines His favor on those who honor Him.

God shines His face toward her; she remained faithful to Him even in the face a nation unravelling.

Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary D. Elisha’s Ministry of Miracles (4:1–8:15)

The social evil in this incident had two causes: societal evolution that broke down the old tribal and clan responsibilities, and the moral callousness that grew out of apostasy. When people find themselves in changed societal conditions where the traditional safety nets have disappeared, godlessness can lead to the creation of destructive new norms and practices. This incident (vv. 1–7) showed the power of God to relieve the hurts and pains that were inevitable in an increasingly godless society. When the covenant laws, which specified the responsibilities of the clan and tribe, were functioning properly, enslavement for debt would not have happened. Disallowing such abuses was one responsibility of a godly, responsible relative (Hb goʿel; “redeemer”) or even the king himself.

Favor ain’t fair

Numbers 6:24–26 “24 “May the Lord bless you and protect you; 25 may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace.” ’

Favor is another way of speaking about Gods blessing.

To bless is to make one happy…

inner radiance more than external laughter.

inner radiance that emanates outward.

It’s not materialism or centered on money, it it can be those those..

Could be rain that fills ditches.

battles that are won

Oil that fills jars that provides all thats needed

child promised to barren

a healing

an axhead floating

God didn’t provide a completed solution; He provided a process for the solution to materialize.

this reminds me of Jesus’ filing the vats of wine.

Elisha didn’t send a bear to eat the debt collectors

Elisha didn’t start a go fund me or empty his bank account to do it.

God didnt give us chair..he gave us trees, and we learned how to make chairs.

Seeds require sweat equity to grow into it’s potential.

she didn’t have much…just a little oil.

a little is the beginning of the miraculous

seeds are all we need.

what do you have in your house?

the miracle is already in your house.

— prophetic words within our church

— the greenhouse you’re planted in is the environment for your flourishing…the number of times i’ve talked with people and they’ve been discouraged or “really going through it” but haven’t been in church…and the messages preached were exactly what they needed…

“God won’t do that for me…”

not if you never ask.

yes god knows your heart, but hes waiting to hear it come from your mouth….it’s an act of belief in him.

there two types of people: those who feel entitled to everything, and those who feel like they’re a bother or inconvenient.

we’re supposed to carry one another’s burdens and sometimes you carry it on your own, but shouldn’t; sometimes you don’t carry other’s burdens and you should. sometimes you’re asking for the jar and other times you give the jar away.

not if you wont go do your part to gather jars.

INTEGRATION

Gather Jars - preparation is always our participation.

students prepare for careers

parents prepare kids for God’s calling on their life and character needed (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual)

single who want to marry - are you becoming the type of person, the partner you’re waiting on, is waiting for?

couples - are you experiencing a deficit of love? show the love in a manner you’d want to be loved.

Keep Pouring - persevere doing the next right thing.

she kept pouring..continuing in the disciplines matters.keep going; keep the faith; endure.

Perseverance and Participation is God’s invitation to us.

John 15:9–10 “9 “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

- continuing in His words (keeping or obeying)

Colossians 1:22–23 “22 But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him—23 if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.”

Hebrews 10:34–39 “34 For you endured… because you know that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession. 35 So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. 38 But my righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.”

Resistance isn’t temporary…it’s an ongoing until the renewal is complete!

We love Him with the love He gave us, but we must return the love.

We persevere with the grit He gave us, but we must persevere.

Don ‘t grow weary in doing good - Galatians 6!

We just need a little oil.

We need a redeemer too.

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Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

This week we looked at the process of the miraculous. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you?

Read 2 Kings 4:1-7. What are some observations the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you?

How does the story of Elisha's miracles compare to the miracles performed by Jesus?

How do you perceive God’s favor in your life despite the challenges you face?

What practical steps can we take to identify and gather our own 'jars' in our lives so that we might experience God’s work?

How can we maintain perseverance in our faith during times of trial and uncertainty?

Read Hebrews 10:32-39. What do you observe? What does this passage say about our perseverance?

Read Galatians 6:1-10. What does the passage tell us about caring for the people of God?