Gathering
- Recall a neighbor, competitor or adversary who picks fights. How did you disarm them—or did you?
Backstory
The kingdom of Aram periodically warred against Israel, yet these border skirmishes did not nullify the official peace treaty between Israel and Aram (2 Kings 5). Elisha, a respected successor to the prophet Elijah, helped mediate God’s healing of Naaman, the commander of the Aramean army. Despite being Israel’s enemy, Elisha had once healed Naaman of leprosy. The Book of 2 Kings records many such miracles performed by Elisha, as he served God with integrity and mediated between the two warring neighbor states who were wary and weary of each other, as we pick up the story in this session.
God’s Story
Have someone read aloud 2 Kings 6: 8-23. Listen intensely, as the drumbeat of war and the threat to Elisha and company looms large on the horizon.
Finding My Story in God’s Story
- Envision a powerful army from Aram, who had successfully raided Israel before, waiting outside your home base. As the Elisha or his servant in this story, what emotions are you experiencing?
- I’m with the servant, absolutely terrified, feeling like ours is a lost cause.
- I’m paralyzed in place, deciding whether to surrender or flea for my life.
- Hmmm, I wonder what magic or superpower Elisha will invoke this time.
- I’m with Elisha, confident of a good outcome with God on my side.
- Other: __________.
- What impresses you most about Elisha and his role in disarming yet another dispute?
- Elisha was like Switzerland, officially neutral and aiding both sides to keep the peace.
- His allegiance to God meant “first, do no harm” and “kill them with kindness.”
- All prophets stir up the waters and let the chips fall where they may.
- Elisha had to steward his gift; to whom much is given much is required.
- Elisha prayed with such disarming faith, spiritual vision, and total trust in God.
- Other: __________.
- Elisha’s servant was always with him. Rather than run from danger, he turned to Elisha—why?
- The enemy’s superior army stacked the odds against any other human solution.
- The servant was counting on a divine solution, one that only Elisha could deliver.
- The servant was grasping at straws; Elisha’s “magic” was his last straw of hope.
- Though fearful, he recalled the many deeds of Elisha and thus had real hope.
- No hope for us, yet I’m sticking with you, even as we face sure death!
- Other: __________.
- Though surrounded by a mighty army, Elisha was not worried, knowing that God had already provided protection. How did Elisha know about God’s provision and protection in advance?
- Elisha was totally a psychic dude—he saw things that no one else could.
- God always shows up at the last minute saving you from having to face problems.
- Elisha spent much time in deep relationship with God and learned of God’s ways.
- God enlightened Elisha’s eyes, so he could see things no one else could see.
- Elisha learned from Elijah and his own life experience to expect great things from God.
- Other: __________.
- Israel’s adversary was blinded, spared and fed. Why not destroy that army to end the threat?
- Hmmm, enemies were often destroyed; God’s ways are mysterious and inscrutable.
- By law of karma, retribution or revenge has a way of backfiring and boomeranging.
- Elisha’s actions were intended to demonstrate both God’s power and God’s mercy.
- Best to remain neutral, on good terms with the kings of both Aram and Israel.
- Other: __________.
Our Story
- What about this story could you imagine happening today?
- Elisha’s superpower—I’ve only seen this in Jesus, in Marvel comics and movies.
- In times of war, some Elisha dude serves as a peacekeeping, healing & moderating force.
- Can’t imagine any strong sizable army sneaking up on Israel without being detected.
- I see today’s enemy combatants annihilating each other, not feasting together.
- This works interpersonally, but I lack the faith to see this happening internationally.
- I pray Elisha’s force for peace among global adversaries could spare us from WWIII.
- Other: __________.
- Where does this remarkable story fit among 5 great quotes of one person changing the world?
- “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead, anthropologist
- “If you can’t feed 100 people, then feed just one.”—Mother Teresa, missionary to India
- “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change we seek.”—Barack Obama, POTUS
- “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”—Jane Goodall, anthropologist renown for her work with chimpanzees
- “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the only ones who do.”—Steve Jobs, American entrepreneur
- The King of Israel had the army of his enemy in hand, ready to kill, yet sought advice from Elisha. The unnamed servant likewise turned to Elisha for help and hope. When facing a live-changing decision, who is your Elisha, whom you trust for wise counsel and to spare you of a big mistake?
- Nobody is that smart. I just pray and wait to see what happens.
- That person could be my Pastor, small group leaders, my spouse—not sure who!
- I tried that once and got terrible advice. Not going there again!
- I never thought of that. Shouldn’t a man make his own decisions?
- Other: __________.
- Under threat of violence, grace prevails and provides hope for the future. What would it take for you to act as did the characters in this story—that is, call upon the lifelines that God provides?
- Prayer is one way we battle against an otherwise overpowering obstacle or opposition. How might prayer warriors, even your small group, join you in the power encounter you are facing? Close your time together in prayer for the next steps and lifelines you’ve identified.