Poisoned Yet Pardoned (2 Kin. 4:38-41) (Part 8)

Conclusion:

• WHEN ARE YOU MORE LIKELY TO BE POISONED BY SIN?
• You are more likely to be poisoned by sin when you are weak.
• You are in a season of personal “famine” – dry, depleted, discouraged.
•  You are more likely to be poisoned by sin when you are under pressure.
• You are asked to do something that is beyond your current ability, capacity or understanding.
• You are more likely to be poisoned by sin when you are walking in the world.
• Where you walk determines what you find.
• If you walk in the world, you will find worldliness.
• You are more likely to be poisoned by sin when you are low in discernment.
• Discernment decreases as fascination and rationalization increase.
• SINCE YOU ARE MORE VULNERABLE TO SIN WHEN YOU ARE WEAK, UNDER PRESSURE, WALKING IN WORLDLINESS AND LOW IN DISCERNMENT, YOU MUST KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE “POISONED.”
• When you realize that you are poisoned by sin . . .
• Stop ingesting the poison.
• Stop swallowing the world's arsenic.
• Confess before God and others what He and they already know.
• “ . . . there is death in the pot.” (2 Kin. 4:40)
• Declare, “This is poison; it is killing me. I don't want to die. Please save me, Jesus!”
• Receive and experience God's mercy, grace and forgiveness.
• “But he said, “Now bring meal.” He threw it into the pot and said, “Pour it out for the people that they may eat.” Then there was no harm in the pot.” (2 Kin. 4:41)
• God's solution for sin's poison is meal (flour). Meal represents the person and work of God's Son, Jesus Christ.
• Jesus alone can rescue you from sin's bitterness and save you from eternal death.
• YOU HAVE TASTED SIN AND FOUND IT TO BE BITTER, SOUR AND HARD.
• Today, the invitation is to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psa. 34:8a).
• You do not have to stay “in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” (Ac. 8:23)

Poisoned Yet Pardoned (2 Kin. 4:38-41) (Part 7)

WHEN DO THE SONS OF THE PROPHETS REALIZE THE STEW IS POISONOUS?

“And as they were eating of the stew, they cried out and said, “O man of God, there is death in the pot.” (2 Kin. 4:40)

• THE BIBLE SCHOOL STUDENT DOES NOT REALIZE, AS HE IS GATHERING THE WILD GOURDS, THAT THEY ARE POISONOUS.
• WHEN HE BRINGS THE WILD GOURDS INTO THE KITCHEN FOR PROCESSING, AT LEAST ONE OTHER STUDENT DOES NOT KNOW THEY ARE POISONOUS.
• “Then one . . . came and sliced them into the pot of stew, for they did not know what they were.” (2 Kin. 4:39)
• “They [the gatherer of the gourds and at least one other cook] did not know what they [the wild gourds] were.”
• Lesson: When you need counsel, it matters whom you consult!
• Don't consult someone else who doesn't know.
• Just because two agree in ignorance doesn't mean they are right!
• Consult someone mature, someone knowledgeable, someone experienced, someone with wisdom.
• IT IS NOT UNTIL EVERYONE BEGINS EATING THAT THEY REALIZE, “THERE IS DEATH IN THE POT.”
• What once looked good, felt good and smelled good now doesn't taste good.
• Lesson: Sin always leads you to a time when you must "taste"; what seems “better” at the start is often bitter in the end.
• Lesson: Sin leads only to bitterness, sourness, disappointment, emptiness and death.

Poisoned Yet Pardoned ( Kin. 4:38-41) (Part 6)

WHY DOES THIS SON OF THE PROPHETS HAVE TO GATHER HERBS ANYWAY?

“When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land.” (2 Kin. 4:38)

• PERHAPS WE SHOULD CUT OUR BIBLE SCHOOL STUDENT SOME SLACK.
• Consider the pressure he is up against.
• In a time of famine Elisha, the senior prophet, asks him to make stew for everybody – to serve food when there is no food.
• “As the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, “ Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” (2 Kin. 4:38)
• Verse 43 suggests there are 100 men in the Bible school.
• LESSON: It is when you are stressed or under great pressure that you are more likely to alter your assignment, compromise your convictions or wander into worldliness.

In tomorrow's post: When do the sons of the prophets realize the stew is poisonous?

Poisoned Yet Pardoned (2 Kin. 4:38-41) (Part 5)

WHERE DOES THIS SON OF THE PROPHETS GATHER THE GOURDS?

“Then one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine . . .” (2 Kin. 4:39).

• THE SON OF THE PROPHETS FINDS THE WILD VINE AND ITS GOURDS IN THE FIELD.
• What does Jesus say about “the field”?
• Explaining the meaning of one of His parables, Jesus says that, “The field is the world” (Mt. 13:38a).
• By 'world', Jesus means not planet earth but the values, interests and behaviors of those who do not serve Him.
• The main behaviors of those who are dominated by the world are pride and covetousness. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 Jn. 2:16)
• NOW YOU KNOW HOW A SON OF THE PROPHET CHOOSES WILD GOURDS OVER HERBS – THAT'S NOT DIFFICULT WHEN YOU'RE WANDERING IN A HOSTILE DOMAIN (THE WORLD) AND DRIVEN BY WHAT YOU WANT!
• Lesson: What business does a believer in Jesus have consulting and adopting the ways of the world? “ . . . for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14)
• Lesson: When you are in the “field” (the world), expect things to get wild!
• A wild vine always produces wild gourds.
• Worldly values and methods can never produce righteousness.
• When you go on a “field” trip, you will find what you didn't know you wanted and what you aren't prepared to handle.
• Don't forget – wild gourds are poisonous!
• Don't forget – what the world offers is lethal!

In tomorrow's post: Why does this son of the prophets have to gather herbs anyway?

Poisoned Yet Pardoned (2 Kin. 4:38-41) (Part 4)

INSTEAD OF GATHERING HERBS, WHAT DOES THIS SON OF THE PROPHETS GATHER?

“Then one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds . . .” (2 Kin. 4:39).

• THIS SERVANT-HEARTED, WELL MEANING BIBLE SCHOOL STUDENT INTENDS TO GATHER HERBS AND, INSTEAD, SETTLES FOR WILD GOURDS.
• How distracted he became!
• Herbs and gourds are different ingredients that are used for different reasons.
• Herbs alter flavor, but gourds add substance.
• Lesson: You can cause yourself and others a lot of trouble when you pursue your own preferences or take liberties in any ministry!
• What discernment he lacked!
• In this case the substance he adds is, unknown to him, poisonous.
• They look harmless enough.
• They feel firm enough.
• They are convenient enough.
• “What providence! I have a large pot of stew to make and I have not found any herbs. Look at all these gourds! Surely this must be God's provision!”
• Not only does the son of the prophets choose gourds, but notice that he chooses wild gourds.
• Lesson: There are believers in Jesus today who can't distinguish between cultivated and wild, because they are dominated by their own understanding instead of the Holy Spirit.

In tomorrow's post: Where does this son of the prophets gather the gourds?

Poisoned Yet Pardoned (2 Kin. 4:38-41) (Part 3)

WHO IS IT THAT GATHERS THE HERBS?

“Then one went out . . . to gather herbs . . .” (2 Kin. 4:39).

• WHO, EXACTLY, IS MEANT BY THE 'ONE'?
• “Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets” (2 Kin. 4:38).
• It is one of the sons of the prophets, one of the Bible school students, who gathers the herbs.
• What a way to be a servant, right?
• What initiative, right?
• Lesson: Just because you volunteer and your heart is right and you intend to be helpful doesn't mean that you should do it. The question is, “Whose authority covering are you under?”

In tomorrow's post:  Instead of gathering herbs, what does this son of the prophet gather?

Poisoned Yet Pardoned (2 Kin. 4:38-41) (Part 2)

Introduction:

• Illustration¹  
• The story is told of a woman who prepared a meal for some guests. The meat was old and she was not sure if it was safe or not. She decided to first feed it to the dog and see if there were any ill effects. Seeing none she completed the meal and served it.
• She was about to serve dessert when her son came running into the house crying, “The dog just died.”
• Panic struck, the embarrassed wife explained the problem to her guests and they all took an unexpected trip to the hospital to have their stomachs pumped. Feeling none the better for the episode she insisted they return to her house.
• Now she recognized the sorrow of her son for the loss of the dog, and inquired more about the details. He told her Fido ran in front of a car and was hit and killed.
• Sometimes things are not as they appear.
• Today's Bible verses are about a mistake in judgment.
• The culprit learns, as did the woman in the previous story, that sometimes things are not as they appear.
• Read 2 Kings 4:38-41.
• The format for this week's message is question and answer.

1http://stanchfieldbaptist.blogspot.com/2010/05/mighty-miracles-2-kings-438-44.html (accessed 9-21-16)

In tomorrow's post:  Who is it that gathers the herbs?

Poisoned Yet Pardoned (2 Kin. 4:38-41) Part 1)

Background: There are four things that you need to know for this week's message to make sense.

• Elisha is the senior prophet, one who speaks for God.
• The sons of the prophets are Bible school students who are being trained in word, thought and behavior.
• It is a time of famine. Famine is a consequence for breaking and abandoning God's conditions.
• Elisha says, “Make stew for everyone.” You can imagine how frustrating it is to make stew for that many people with no ingredients on hand except water.

Why Prayer Is Effective (2 Kin. 4:25b-37) (Part 7)

First Peter 5:7 > “ . . . casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” By coming to the altar or making a place of prayer where you are, you declare that you believe Jesus cares for you and that His care is enough. 

• He cares for your body, soul, spirit, relationships, finances, future, etc.
• He promises to provide all your needs (Phil. 4:19).

When you pray, that is, talk to Him, be . . .

• Urgent.  Get right down to business. Don't hesitate. Avoid distraction. Speak respectfully, but talk boldly.
• Honest. Don't sugarcoat your need. Tell Jesus how you feel, what you think, how things are affecting you. Speak respectfully, but talk to Jesus as if He doesn't know anything that's happening in your life. Use simple words. You don't have to impress Him.
• Persistent. Don't make this the last time you bring the matter to Jesus. Keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking until Jesus gives you a clear answer.
• Trusting. Believe that God has your best interest in mind and that it is His specialty to accomplish His will for you (Phil. 2:13). Believe in Jesus' amazing track record.

Why Prayer Is Effective (2 Kin. 4:25b-37) (Part 6)

Why would the woman go through all that work to get to Elisha and persuade him to return with her? She knew Elisha was her only hope. Without realizing it, she modeled effective prayer for us.

There is one last question that needs to be answered. Why did Elisha return with her? He returned with the woman because he cared for her. Once Elisha realized that it was the Shunammite woman who was approaching, the first thing out of his mouth was to inquire about her welfare. “When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to Gehazi his servant, 'Behold, there is the Shunammite. Please run now to meet her and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’'” (2 Kin. 4:25b-26a)

Just as Elisha cared for the woman, her husband and her son, so Jesus Christ cares for you.

• Elisha's name means 'God is Savior.' Who is your Savior? Your Savior is (or should be) Jesus. What does Jesus, your Savior, save you from? He saves you from your sin. What is sin? Sin is more than something that happens to you; it is something that you do, whether by commission or omission. Sin is violation of God's laws; sin is missing the mark or falling short (Rom. 3:23).
•  Jesus showed His loving care for you by dying on a cross. 
• He endured the cross because of your sins. 
• He died for you and in place of you (Rom. 5:6-8; 2 Cor. 5:21).
• He took your punishment (death) upon himself.
• You take His righteousness upon yourself.
• In yourself no good thing dwells (Rom. 3:10-12).
• By yourself you cannot please God (Rom. 8:8).
• The cross of Jesus, the demonstration of God's love for you, demands a response.
• “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”¹ (Isaac Watts)
• Response #1 > I will cherish the old rugged cross and gladly take upon myself its demand for total dominion in my life.
• Response #2 > I will reject the old rugged cross and continue to believe that my own good works are enough, even when the Bible says they are not (Eph. 2:8-9).

Who will cherish the old rugged cross of Jesus right now?

• Who will ask Jesus for forgiveness from sin?
• Who will surrender his or her will, pleasure, and future to God's plan and purposes?

1Watts, Isaac. “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.” Hymns of Glorious Praise. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969. Hymn #88. Second half of verse 4.

(Tomorrow's post:  part 2 of the conclusion.)

Why Prayer Is Effective (2 Kin. 4:25b-37) (Part 5)

4. EFFECTIVE PRAYER REQUIRES TRUST.

“So he entered and shut the door behind them both” (2 Kin. 4:33).

Elisha shut the door to keep out both Gehazi and the woman. I don't know about you, but being shut out makes me feel frustrated, disqualified or unwanted!

When Elisha shut the door, the woman had no strategy left but to trust.

• She had to trust that Elisha had her best interest, and her son's welfare, in mind.
• She had to trust that Elisha knew what he was doing.
• She had to trust that Elisha would respect her son's body while he “did his thing.”
• She had to trust that her being shut out and feeling left out didn't mean Elisha was cruel or was trying to send a message.

From where did the woman's trust in Elisha come? Her trust came from relationship. Her husband and she entertained and hosted Elisha in their home (2 Kin. 4:8- 10). She received spiritual ministry from Elisha at the new moon and on each Sabbath (2 Kin. 4:28). Today we would say that she attended the weekly and special services and got to know her pastor.

It is one thing to tell God what's on your mind; it is another to believe that He hears, He cares and He is in the process of answering.

• Psa. 9:10 > “And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
• Psa. 37:5 > “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.”

(Tomorrow's post: part 1 of the conclusion.)

Why Prayer Is Effective (2 Kin. 4:25b-37) (Part 4)

3. EFFECTIVE PRAYER REQUIRES PERSISTENCE.

“I will not leave you” (2 Kin. 4:30).

The woman decided that she would stay with Elisha until he did something about her situation. How quickly she could have given up! Elisha sent Gehazi (2 Kin. 4:29, 31) but she wasn't satisfied with that. (I wonder if she knew that the errand would be unsuccessful?) She refused to believe that Gehazi's report was the final answer. She reserved the final word for Elisha.

How persistent are you in prayer? Are you of the one-and-done variety? (You mention the request once and leave it in God's hands.) I don't want to discourage you from trusting God in prayer; rather, I want you to realize that God's sovereignty is not an excuse for man's laziness. Prayer is hard work! Your flesh doesn't like to pray!

Mt. 7:8 > “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” In the Greek, there is the “present of duration.” That means that the verbs suggest action that is happening right now and will remain ongoing.

“For everyone who asks (and keeps on asking) receives, and he who seeks (and keeps on seeking) finds, and to him who knocks (and keeps on knocking) it will be opened.”

You don't continue asking because you think God doesn't hear or doesn't want to answer; you continue asking because persistence is something Jesus taught (Lu. 18:1-8).

(Tomorrow's post:  Effective prayer requires trust.)

Why Prayer Is Effective (2 Kin. 4:25b-37) (Part 3)

2. EFFECTIVE PRAYER REQUIRES HONESTY.

“Did I ask for a son from my lord? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me?'” (2 Kin. 4:28).

Honesty in prayer requires three things.

• It requires directness.  Get right to the point and don't beat around the bush.
• It requires simplicity. Don't complicate your request with non-essentials. In the seventies we sang a chorus that stated, “Jesus on the main line – tell Him what you want.” Yes, tell Him reverently, but tell Him honestly. Let Him hear your heart's cry.
• It requires vulnerability. Mention the emotion, concern and pain that goes with the request. Admit that you have a need and that you are troubled by it. “ . . . her soul is troubled within her . . .” (2 Kin. 4:27). See also Hannah (1 Sam. 1:13-16).

I'm so glad that we don't have to put on an act when we come before God! We can come just as we are.

“Just as I am, tho' tossed about
With many a conflict,many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!”¹

1Elliott, Charlotte. “Just As I Am.” Hymns of Glorious Praise. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969. Hymn #221. Verse 3. 

(Tomorrow's post:  Effective prayer requires persistence.)

My Prayer (08/17/19)

Father, forgive me for saying prayers instead of really praying (praying with an engaged mind and spirit).  I offer smooth words and expect You to act while I neither expend or extend myself in prayer (at least not with the regularity I should).

Reveal to me why more prayers are not effective.  Is it that my lips are saying the right thing but my heart isn't there yet?  Is it simply that I am lazy?  Is it that I don't know what it is that You want to do and don't take enough time to listen?  Perhaps it could be that my motive for wanting to pray effectively isn't right.

If prayer isn't effective then something is wrong.  I have to know what it is.

Why Prayer Is Effective (2 Kin. 4:25b-37) (Part 2)

1. EFFECTIVE PRAYER REQUIRES URGENCY.  
“ . . . she caught hold of his feet” (2 Kin. 4:27).

When you read that the woman “caught hold of his feet”, what comes to mind? Perhaps your mind goes directly to the subject of humility. It's easy to get there. The woman got on her knees, bowed low, and put her hands on Elisha's feet. That sure looks like a picture of humility!

While you aren't wrong to say that her foot-grabbing involves humility, realize that that is not what she meant to portray. Back in that day, when someone bowed down and grabbed another person's feet, that action was taken to add urgency and intensity to a request. Today, we put it this way: There is praying and then there is praying.

I don't want to suggest that you should be melodramatic when you pray. However, do you make it clear to God that you really want what you're asking?

(Tomorrow's post:  Effective prayer requires honesty.)

Why Prayer Is Effective (2 Kin. 4:25b-37) (Part 1)

Introduction:

As you find 2 Kings chapter 4 in your Bible, what comes to mind when I say the words “effective prayer”? Some might think, “I pray, but I wouldn't say I pray effectively.” Others might recall James 5:16, where it says, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

In the next two verses James tells us about a man named Elijah.

James 5:17-18 > “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.”

Is it hard for you believe that you can pray effectively? Most wouldn't dare to put themselves in the same category as Elijah. It isn't that we don't pray; it's that we don't think our prayers accomplish much when we do pray.

Today's verses from 2 Kings chapter 4 reveal four things that are necessary in order to pray

effectively.  The climax of the story is when Elisha, who is God's spokesman and representative, raises a boy from the dead. Now that's effective praying!

(Tomorrow's post:  Effective prayer requires urgency.)

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 6)

JESUS CHRIST WAS GOD'S SERVANT.

Understand that Jesus isn't asking you to do anything He didn't model.

• In the Old Testament, Jesus was called the Servant.
• There are portions in Isaiah that are referred to as “The Servant Songs.”
• In the New Testament, Jesus called Himself “Servant” (Mk. 10:45; Lu. 22:27).
•  He was God's chosen servant (Lu. 9:35).
•  He was a humble servant (Mt. 11:29).
• He was an obedient servant (Mt. 26:39; Phil. 2:8).
• He was a focused servant.
• He was a silent servant (Isa. 53:7; Mt. 26:62-63a).
• He was a reliable servant (Jn. 17:4).

Jesus fulfilled the task – “drove the donkey” – that He was called to.

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin 4:22-24) (Part 5)

Conclusion:

Both the world and the church could do with fewer self-appointed superstars and more donkey-

drivers (more servants). Which would you rather be – Elisha, who does the miracle, or the unnamed servant, who drives the donkey? If we were honest, most of us would not choose to drive the donkey. It's not as exciting as raising the dead!

Here is God's invitation today: Will you drive the donkey? What do you mean, Pastor? Think of a “donkey” as a simple, non-glamorous task, for which you will receive little thanks, yet its completion is essential to the ongoing testimony of our church's story. You will champion this task by taking it on yourself.

Here are a few donkeys that need to be driven.

• The nursery needs to be re-done and brought up to daycare standards.
• The fellowship hall roof needs to be replaced immediately.
• The annual Thanksgiving Dinner Outreach needs to be coordinated.

Quote: "Christianity “is an intensely practical thing.”¹ (William Barclay) Without the practical things being done, the spiritual things don't seem to work as well.

If you want to “drive the donkey”, then you must embrace the traits of a servant.

1Barclay, William. The Letters To The Corinthians. Revised Edition. Daily Study Bible Series. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1975. p. 116. (Barclay is commenting on 1 Cor. 12:28 re: “helps.”)

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 4)

5. THE SERVANT WAS RELIABLE.

HE WAS TRUSTED WITH THE WELFARE OF HIS MASTER'S BRIDE. All of a sudden, such a “menial” task took on great seriousness. The servant wasn't just driving a donkey; he was providing needed assistance for his master's wife and would be responsible for her welfare.

Instead of labeling what you are doing as “insignificant” or “menial”, consider Who it is that called you to do it. The “Who” must always frame the “what.”

The Donkey Driver (2 Kin. 4:22-24) (Part 3)

3. THE SERVANT WAS OBEDIENT.

WHEN ASKED TO DRIVE THE DONKEY, THE SERVANT DIDN'T COMPLAIN OR REBEL.

• He wasn't put out nor was he put down by being asked to do such a menial task.
• He didn't cop an attitude: “Now you're going to tell me how to drive the donkey?”
• He just wanted to do what he could with excellence and skill, while pleasing his authority.

4. THE SERVANT WAS FOCUSED.

HE DIDN'T SEE THE NEED TO TALK.  In the story, the servant didn't say one word to anyone. He made no small talk and gave no advice. 

How easily talk can sidetrack or distract people!  I travel Route 66 south often. Usually my intended destination is Monroeville, and my intended stops there are bookstores or specialty food stores. I know, what a narrow life, right?  Occasionally I have to go to Greensburg. I can't tell you how many times I've started towards Greensburg, only to find myself halfway up the ramp to Route 380 towards Monroeville.

No, my memory isn't slipping – at least I don't think so. Rather, it is that sometimes I can't drive and talk. If I don't concentrate on where I am going, I will end up somewhere else. It is not uncommon for my co-pilot to remind me, “Remember, you're not getting off here.”

In my situation, I turned around and got back on track towards Greensburg. I wasted a little time, but I still arrived at my destination.  In today's story, the servant couldn't afford to waste any time. Getting to Elisha sooner than later was essential. Had he made one wrong turn, perhaps the story doesn't end well.

You can talk yourself right into incompetency! When you need to act, talking something to death won't get the job done.