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TRAVEL-CIRCUITS

Text: 2 Kings 4:8-37
2 March 2010

(I) TRAVEL-CIRCUITS

1. Samuel’s circuit

“And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. He went from year to year on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places.” 1 Samuel 7:14-15

2. Elijah’s areas of ministry

a) Less confining

b) More wide-ranging

i) Brook Cherith (1 Kings 17)

ii) Zarephath (1 Kings 17:9-10)

iii) Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20)

iv) Gilgal (2 Kings 2:1)

v) Bethel (2 Kings 2:2)

vi) Jericho (2 Kings 2:4)

vii) Jordan (2 Kings 2:6)

3. Elisha’s areas of ministry

a) Similar territory as Elijah’s

i) Jericho (2 Kings 2:18)

ii) Mount Carmel (2 Kings 2:25)

iii) Shunem (2 Kings 4:8)

b) Slightly different ministries

(II) TRANSIT (MINISTRY) IN SHUNEM

1. A notable woman took notice of Elisha’s stopover at Shunem (2 Kings 4:8)

2. Gracious plan to provide suitable accommodations for Elisha (2 Kings 4: 9-10)

a) Provision of a small upper room

b) Basic furnishings

3. Elisha’s offer (reciprocating the kindness shown to him)

“Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you?” 2 Kings 4:13a

a) A word to the king? (2 Kings 4:13b)

b) A word to the commander of the army? (2 Kings 4:134c)

c) Both offers declined by the Shunamite lady (2 Kings 4:13d)

(III) INTRODUCTION OF GEHAZI

1. He appears as a “servant” to Elisha (2 Kings 4:12)

2. He serves Elisha in different ways (2 Kings 4:11-15)

a) He gathers information

b) He acts on behalf of Elisha (2 Kings 4:29, 31)

(IV) THE PROMISE OF THE GIFT OF A SON

1. Promise (2 Kings 4:15-16)

2. Fulfilment (2 Kings 4:17)

(V) TRAGEDY

1. Illness of the son (2 Kings 4:18-19)

2. Death of the son (2 Kings 4:20)

(VI) A WONDROUS MIRACLE

1. Seeking Elisha for help (2 Kings 4:21-37)

2. Gehazi’s failure (2 Kings 4:31)

3. Elisha’s success (2 Kings 4:32-37 )