Upon Further Review

[1] Title

Greater: The life-altering understanding that God is ready to accomplish a greatness in your life that is entirely out of human reach-beyond anything you see in yourself on your best day, but exactly what God has seen in you all along

Greater: The life-altering understanding that God is ready to accomplish a greatness in your life that is entirely out of human reach-beyond anything you see in yourself on your best day, but exactly what God has seen in you all along

God wants to move in our lives in ways that we didn't even know to ask for. Whether you are in a place of life without any pressing needs or are in desperate search of a miracle, this is to help you submit to God's greater perspective of your life.

[2-6]

2 Kings 4:8–13 ESV

One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.” One day he came there, and he turned into the chamber and rested there. And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him. And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’ ” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.”

[7] Title

1. Greater things are stirring in the heart and mind of God for you.

She is a Well-To-Do Woman

In some translations, the Shunamite woman is even referred to as a ‘Great Woman.’

On the surface, she didn’t need anything from Elisha.

She didn’t seek anything from the Lord - even as she served him - she felt she was fine on her own.

However, well-to-do people often have greater hurts, disappointments, and needs than we could ever know. They’re just good at hiding it.

Need to know: “God isn’t planning ways to ‘get us.’ God is scheming of ways to bless us and grow us.”

All the while, God had something greater in store for her, not out of anything she was asking for or expecting to receive, but out of his character.

[8-12]

2 Kings 4:14–17 ESV

And he said, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” He said, “Call her.” And when he had called her, she stood in the doorway. And he said, “At this season, about this time next year, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant.” But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her.

[13]

“You will hold a son in your arms...” - Elisha

Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, brought the Shunamite Woman’s need to light in verse 14. So as you can imagine, Elisha struck a chord with the barren woman by promising her that she would be with child.

“Don’t mislead your servant...” - Shunamite Woman

2. God overrules our objections in favor of his greater purpose.

2. God overrules our objections in favor of his greater purpose.

She likely objected to this promise in response to the pattern of rejection she had already experienced in this area of life.

God ultimately delivered on the promise he made through Elisha, blessing her with a child.

No matter your disappointments, failures, or rejections, “The cross overruled your crippled condition and raised you up into a position of great strength and power.”

[14-33]

Upon Further Review

2 Kings

2 Kings 4:18–37 ESV

When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, “Oh, my head, my head!” The father said to his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door behind him and went out. Then she called to her husband and said, “Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.” And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.” Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, “Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.” So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite. Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’ ” And she answered, “All is well.” And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.” Then she said, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’ ” He said to Gehazi, “Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply. And lay my staff on the face of the child.” Then the mother of the child said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So he arose and followed her. Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, “The child has not awakened.” When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, “Pick up your son.” She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.

[34] Title

3. The road to greater things is never neat.

The Shunamite Woman was likely on a spiritual high as her miracle child continued to grow.

It all came crashing down when her son died.

Plan the funeral or expect a miracle

If you have poured yourself into a promise you received that went unfulfilled, you know the frustration, bitterness, and hopelessness of feeling like your faith is wasted.

BUT - if God is the one that promised it, he is the only one who can resurrect it.

The Shunamite Woman didn’t waste her time grieving over an unfulfilled promise from God. She immediately appealed to his higher authority.

Upon Further Review

In college football there are designated replay officials that sit in a booth high above the field. Any play is capable of being sent upstairs for further review. These officials with a higher outlook on the game can change the outcome.

As the Law made nothing perfect, Jesus comes to offer another - and perfect - review of our situation.

Believe today that your faith is never wasted!