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 )