2 Kings 2-7 Teaching Activities and Insights
- Benjamin Wilcox
- 10 hours ago
- 49 min read
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
LESSON #1 BATHE IN THE RIGHT RIVER (2 Kings 5)
TRUTH:
When God’s way is simpler, humbler, or different from what I expected, healing begins as I set aside my script and act in faith.
FIRE IN THE BONES:
Something that gives me a fire in the bones for the story of Naaman is that his struggle feels so familiar. He asks God for help, but before the answer arrives, he’s already decided what the answer ought to look like. Ever done that before? We all have. And when it doesn’t look like what he expected, he reacts badly and ALMOST misses his miracle. But his first reaction doesn’t become his final response. Eventually, he humbles himself and acts in faith. And he’s healed! Help your students understand that God may not always work in the way we pictured, but if we set aside our script and trust Him enough to take the next simple step, miracles can happen in our lives too.
OBJECT:
For an object lesson, I suggest you print out the following two “Script” pages that I’ll make available for download this week. On one is written the title “Naaman’s script,” and on the other “God’s Script.” On Naaman’s script is written a list of all the things he expected would happen when he came to the prophet to be healed. On God’s script is written the one simple line of instruction that he actually received: Go and wash in Jordan seven times. Now when you get to that portion of the story, you can point to the two scripts and say that Naaman brought more than just horses, chariots, silver, and gold to Elisha’s home. He brought a script. He had a detailed picture in his mind of how he felt his miracle should happen. But instead, Elisha’s servant comes out and hands him a different script. Then ask: What will Naaman have to do if he wants to be healed? Then crumple Naaman’s script up into a ball and throw in to the garbage. And you might say something like, “That takes faith. It’s not easy to let our own expectations go to align with God’s. We too are probably going to have times in our lives when we are required to put our own scripts aside and trust in His.”
ICEBREAKER:
For an icebreaker, I like to begin with a few “Would You Rather?” questions. And trust me, in my experience, teenagers love this kind of activity, but it would work for adults too. And all you do for this is simply pair your students up and have them share their answers to some of the following choices. You ask Would You Rather . . .
· Run five miles once or walk half a mile every day for a month?
· Study intensely for five hours the day before a test once or study thirty minutes every day for a week?
· Read the entire Book of Mormon in one week or read and ponder a few verses every day for a year?
· Receive complicated instructions that sound important or simple instructions that seem ordinary?
Now you’ll notice that these all have something in common. In each case, it’s a choice between doing one difficult or dramatic thing or doing something smaller over and over again. After the activity, ask them if they noticed any similarities in the choices. Why might one big, difficult act sometimes feel easier than doing something small and simple repeatedly? And you know, there can be something exciting and satisfying about doing the great thing. It feels heroic. It gives us a story to tell. But quiet, repeated faithfulness can require a different kind of strength—patience, humility, and perseverance. That’s exactly the struggle we’re going to see in the story of Naaman. He was willing to do some great thing, but what he almost refused to do was something very simple.
SEARCH ACTIVITY:
For the search activity, I suggest you just lead your students through the story, section by section looking for and discussing truths that you discover as you go. But to keep it simple, I like to go through it with just one big search question in mind as you go.
And that question is:
How is God leading Naaman toward healing in this section, and what might make that guidance easy to resist?Also, for each section I’ll suggest one additional search question you might ask if your class is struggling to find something meaningful to discuss there. Because what you want to do is help them to see principles and truths that those sections teach us.
VIDEO:
But before I give you those suggested questions and possible answers, one other quick idea. The Church has produced a really excellent video of this story that you might consider showing while your students follow along in their scriptures. What I love about it, is that it basically follows the story word for word from the scriptures. So, you could show the video, and pause it at each of the section breaks and ask your questions and discuss what that portion of the story teaches. A quick planning warning here. I don’t believe that you would have time to do the object lesson, the icebreaker, and the video all in one lesson. Rather, I suggest you choose just one of those elements to include in the lesson. At the most two.
SECTION 1: 2 Kings 5:1-4
How does God lead Naaman towards healing? The testimony of the little Hebrew maid. What might make that easy to miss or resist? She’s just a child. She’s a servant. She’s from a different religion and different culture than him.
A possible additional search question: Who begins Naaman’s journey toward healing: a king, a prophet, a soldier, or a servant girl? Why might that detail matter?
A principle I would want them to understand from this section: Never underestimate what God can do through your simple heartfelt testimony, no matter who you are. Because God often works through people the world might consider small.
SECTION 2: 2 KINGS 5:5-9
What leads him towards healing? A journey to the prophet.
What might make that easy to resist? That requires sacrifice and effort to get there.
An additional question: What does Naaman bring with him, and what do they suggest about the kind of solution Naaman is expecting? And he brings all the usual instruments of worldly power doesn’t he. Royal authority, a letter from a king, wealth, gifts, reputation, and an impressive arrival.
Possible principle here? Blessings cannot be purchased, controlled, or earned through status. They must be humbly received.
SECTION 3:2 KINGS 5:10-12
Leading towards healing? The instructions of the prophet’s servant.
Why is that easy to resist? Well, in this section, he does resist. He reveals what he thought should happen. That the prophet would come out. That he would offer a dramatic prayer and an immediate healing accompanied by a visible gesture of priesthood power. But no, instead a simple instruction from a servant of the prophet to go bathe 7 times in a dirty river. He even wonders why a cleaner more beautiful river wouldn’t do? Why not one of the prettier rivers that he was familiar with in Damascus?
An additional question: Why can a simple answer sometimes be more difficult to accept than a complicated or dramatic one?
The principle? God’s way may often be simpler, humbler, and less dramatic than our preferred way.
Another way to put it. We must learn to bathe in the right river. Sometimes we would prefer to bathe in a river of our own choosing. We want to bathe in the Abana, or the Pharpar instead of the Jordan. We want to obey OUR OWN version of the commandments, not the Lords. But just as Naaman wouldn’t have been healed by bathing in the wrong river. I believe we too are far less likely to receive promised blessings by following our own agendas over the Lord’s.
SECTION 4: 2 KINGS 5:13
Which I would call “the turning point”. This is what finally convinces Naaman to change his mind. It’s the question that he’s asked here that I think makes all the difference.
What leads him towards healing here? The suggestion of Naaman’s own servants that if he would be willing to do some great thing to be healed, then why not something simpler. Something less dramatic. Less complicated.
Why would it be easy to resist? The suggestion comes from a servant. It requires him to be humble. It requires him to overcome his rage and expectations.
So if they didn’t see our principle in the previous section, they are sure to see it here.
God’s way may often be simpler, humbler, and less dramatic than our preferred way.
Another : Healing begins when we turn away from pride and back toward the direction God has given us.
An additional question you might ask to lead them to that principle:
What do Naaman’s servants seem to understand about him when they ask their question in this verse?
SECTION 5: 2 KINGS 5:14-15
What leads towards his healing here? Thankfully, Naaman does humble himself. And he goes to the Jordan and bathes the seven times and he’s healed. Although I would suggest that the point where his healing really took place was the moment he decides to humble himself and follow the prophet.
What would make it easy to resist? This is where I would help my students to understand the “seven dips” principle. I have my students imagine what that might have been like. It would have been easy to resist because it was repetitive and perhaps may have been frustrating, or easy to give up after a number of dips and it didn’t seem to be working.
So an additional question here: Why do you think the Lord required Naaman to complete all seven dips rather than stopping after one or two?
Why not just once? Accompanying that question? Which dip in the river do you believe healed him?
And, I suppose this is just an opinion, but I believe it was the cumulative effect of all seven. A possible principle here.
It is the accumulation of small, repeated acts of obedience that brings about the greatest blessings. Of course though, in His way and according to His timing. That may be an important qualification to make.
TAKE IT TO HEART:
For the take it to heart portion of the lesson. Invite your students to ponder the following questions:
Can you think of an area in your life where you might be “bathing in the wrong river” or resisting God’s instructions because they’re not what you wanted or expected?
OR
What small and simple act of discipleship are you tempted to stop doing because you have not yet seen the blessing?
I WILL GO AND DO:
How might you apply what Naaman learned to your own situation?
Some suggestions:
Pray with greater humility, asking God to help me recognize His direction even when it is simpler, humbler, slower, or different from what I expected.
Take one more faithful “dip” by continuing a simple act of discipleship I have been tempted to neglect or abandon.
Set aside my preferred script and become more willing to accept an answer that does not look the way I imagined it would.
Listen more carefully to a humble or unexpected voice God may be using to guide me.
TAKEAWAY:
Our takeaway slide reminds our students of two of the great principles Naaman’s story taught us. One, to bathe in the right river, and two, to not be a six dip Saint. Display the slide and say something like: Naaman almost missed his miracle because God’s way seemed too simple, too ordinary, and too different from what he had pictured. But thankfully, his first reaction wasn’t his final response. He listened. He turned around. He stepped into the river. And then he kept dipping.
I don’t know what “dip” you may be on right now. Maybe you have been praying, trying, forgiving, studying, repenting, attending, or trusting . . .and you still can’t see the change you hoped for. That does not mean your faith has been wasted. Each act of trust sends another ripple outward. God may be doing work that you can’t yet see.
So when God’s way feels simpler, humbler, or different from what you expected, don’t walk away from the Jordan. Set aside your script. Take the next faithful step. Keep trusting. Keep acting. And let God do His work. Don’t be a six-dip Saint.
OPTIONAL LESSON ENHANCEMENTS:
QUOTE:
From Elder Renlund:
“As recorded in the Old Testament, when Naaman sought a cure for his leprosy, he was indignant at being asked to dip himself seven times in a nearby ordinary river. But he was persuaded to follow the prophet Elisha’s counsel rather than rely on his own preconceived notions of how the miracle should occur. As a result, Naaman was healed. When we trust God’s prophet on the earth today and act on his counsel, we will find happiness, and we too can be healed. We need to look no further.”
(“Jesus Christ Is the Treasure,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 98)
LESSON #2 OPENING EYES (2 Kings 6)
TRUTH:
God can open our eyes to unseen help and open our hearts to unexpected mercy.
FIRE IN THE BONES:
What gives me a fire in the bones for this story is how relevant its two messages are to the way we live right now. Fear has a way of narrowing our vision until the problem in front of us feels like the only thing that’s real. We may only see the problem and forget that God may already have placed help around us that we cannot yet see.
But anger can narrow our vision too. When someone hurts us, disappoints us, or stands against us, it becomes easy to see only an enemy. Well, this story invites us to pray for two kinds of sight: eyes to recognize God’s help when we feel surrounded, and a heart that can still see others with mercy when the tables turn. We need both. We need the faith to know we are not alone and the Christlike strength to refuse cruelty when we gain the advantage.
OBJECT:
For an object lesson, I suggest giving each student a small card with three discouraging messages written on it:
You are alone.You are surrounded.You have no help.
At first, invite them to read only what they can see. Ask how each statement might make someone feel. Then give them an invisible-ink pen with a UV light and invite them to search their card for anything they may be missing. Hidden words will complete each message:
After everyone has revealed the full message, ask what changed. Did the visible words disappear? No. The UV light simply revealed something that had been there all along. The lesson? Sometimes fear tells us something real—but incomplete. Today we’ll look at someone in the scriptures who learned that powerful truth.
I’ll put a link to those invisible ink UV light pens in the video description. They’re really inexpensive and work well.
Link to Purchase UV pens: https://amzn.to/4xXXLBE
ICEBREAKER:
Now that can serve as the icebreaker, but let me provide you with an alternative as well. And what you do here is show your students the following pictures and ask them what they think is happening. The first slide will reveal only a limited portion of the scene—just enough to produce concern, confusion, or an inaccurate assumption.
The second slide reveals the full image and completely changes how the students should interpret what is happening.
So in the first, they’ll see a climber who appears to be falling, but the full picture reveals a rope and belayer. In the second, they’ll see a child apparently alone in the forest, but then discover a nearby campground. In the third, they’ll see an athlete lying on the ground, but the full scene shows teammates celebrating around them after they’ve scored the winning goal. And in the fourth, they’ll see a person reaching aggressively toward another, but the completed picture reveals they are actually pulling them out of danger. After each reveal, just ask what changed. The point is that what they first saw was real, but incomplete. Sometimes a limited view can make a situation seem far worse than it really is.
SEARCH ACTIVITY:
For the search activity, make three columns on the board: What the servant saw, What Elisha saw, and How that affected each of them. Briefly explain that Syria is at war with Israel and has surrounded Dothan in an attempt to capture Elisha. Then invite students to read 2 Kings 6:13–18 and complete the three columns before you discuss their answers. Give them time to discover the contrast themselves. The servant sees the Syrian army and responds with fear. Elisha sees the greater help surrounding them and responds with calm confidence. After students share what they found, ask, “What principle or truth does that contrast teach you?”
And just allow them to share their thoughts. Some possible answers you might hear:God’s help may be nearer and greater than we realize.
When God opens our eyes, fear can give way to peace.
We may feel surrounded by trouble while actually being surrounded by help.
The presence of danger does not mean the absence of God.
Any variation of those truths will do.
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
What kinds of help from either side of the veil might we sometimes fail to recognize?
Some possible answers: The Savior’s grace, the help of the Holy Ghost, family and friends, inspired leaders, ward members, covenants, priesthood blessings, angels, ancestors, strength beyond our own ability to endure our challenges.
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we have A LOT of help around us. They that be with us, are more than they that be with them.
TAKE IT TO HEART:
At this point in the lesson, we want to help our students take the message of this story to heart. So we ask:
Can you think of a time when a situation looked hopeless at first, but God placed help around you that you couldn’t see at first? What happened?
Is there a situation where fear may be showing you something real, but incomplete?
What help, strength, people, promises, or resources might fear be making difficult for you to notice?
QUOTE:
“In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil, and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike--and they will--you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened, we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham's seed.”
Jeffrey R. Holland
(For times of Trouble, Jeffrey R Holland, BYU SPEECHES March 1980)
TESTIFY:
And it’s at that point that I suggest you bear testimony. Bear witness that God does not abandon us in our times of need. We need not face our challenges alone. And although we can’t promise that God will resolve every conflict, every obstacle, or every challenge, I believe we can promise his help, his comfort, and his presence at those times. We can be surrounded by his power.
SEARCH ACTIVITY:
Now I don’t like to end the lesson there. There’s an additional principle I think we can highlight in this chapter. Because now, the tables have turned. It’s Elisha’s servant that can now see but the Syrians that are blinded.
So, invite them to study 2 Kings 6:19-23 for the rest of the story. As they study, invite them to simply discover an additional lesson that these verses can teach us. Before they read, though, let them know that Samaria is right in the middle of Israel. And the story is great. The Syrian army is led right into Samaria, so now THEY are the ones surrounded. And the King of Israel, excitedly asks Elisha, “Shall I smite them? Shall I smite them?” Revealing his enthusiasm for getting revenge on the Syrians. But what is Elisha’s surprising answer? He says, “Don’t attack them. Feed them, and let them go home.” And so the King does. Then the final phrase of verse 23 kind of says it all, “So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.” What lesson might your students pull from that story?
Possible principles:
Christlike mercy can interrupt cycles of hostility.
Spiritual sight helps us recognize the humanity of those who oppose us.
God’s power can protect us from our enemies without teaching us to become like them.
Perhaps one of the best possible ways to get rid of your enemies is to make them your friends. When given an opportunity to hurt, or to get revenge, or to take advantage, don’t. Serve others, help them, feed them. The benefits of kindness and charity far outweigh any smug conceit that stems from spite or revenge.
Now you may want to qualify that statement a little. Showing mercy doesn’t mean pretending that wrongdoing is acceptable, removing wise boundaries, or remaining in an unsafe situation. We can forgive and refuse revenge while still seeking help, allowing appropriate consequences, and protecting ourselves and others.
TAKE IT TO HEART:
When have you seen kindness calm a conflict more effectively than retaliation?
What would “feeding instead of smiting” look like in one of your current relationships?
I WILL GO AND DO:
What might the Lord be inviting you to see or do differently because of these stories?
Suggestions:
Pray for opened eyes. Ask Heavenly Father to help you recognize the people, promises, spiritual gifts, and other forms of help He has already placed around you.
Look for the chariots. Write down three evidences that God is helping, strengthening, guiding, or supporting you in a current challenge.
Interrupt the cycle. Respond to one unkind action with calmness rather than escalating the conflict.
Set the table. Do one appropriate act of kindness for someone you find difficult to like.
TAKEAWAY:
Our takeaway slide portrays the image of Elisha and his servant beholding the chariots of fire surrounding the city of Dothan with the phrase “Open Your Eyes” prominently displayed. Remind your students that the Syrian army was real. The servant’s fear was understandable. But what he could see was not all that was there. The mountain was already full of horses and chariots of fire. He was not as alone, helpless, or outnumbered as he believed. Later, the king of Israel had a different problem with his vision. He looked at helpless Syrian soldiers and saw enemies to destroy. Elisha looked at the same men and saw people who could be fed. One man needed his eyes opened to God’s help. The other needed his heart opened to God’s mercy.
Perhaps we need both miracles. When fear fills our vision, we can pray, “Lord, open my eyes. Help me see who and what Thou hast placed around me.” And when anger fills our vision, we can pray, “Lord, open my heart. Help me see this person as more than my enemy.” See God’s help. See others with mercy.
OPTIONAL LESSON ENHANCEMENTS:
VIDEO:
A possible video to show in conjunction with this lesson is the following short message entitled “Live by Faith, Not by Fear”. And it’s a message built around the reassurance that God does not want us to fail and that things can ultimately work out. It could fit well after comparing what the servant sees with what Elisha sees.
QUOTE:
As a possible cross reference for the second portion of the story, you may want to take them to Matthew 5:44 where Jesus taught us:
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
HANDOUT:
Another possible way of presenting this story could be to use the following secret phrase handout. It guides your students through both portions of the story and reveals as the secret phrase the main messages of the story. See God’s help and see others with mercy. You could first invite your students to work through the questions and then spend the rest of the time more deeply discussing the principles the stories teach.
ANSWER KEY:
1. In what city was Elisha staying? DOTHAN
2. The Syrian army had “_____________ the city about”. COMPASSED
3. Elisha had a __________ that was afraid when he saw the Syrian army. SERVANT
4. He cried out “Alas, my master! ______ shall we do? HOW
5. Elisha responded, “ Fear not; for they that be with us, are ______ than they that be with them.” MORE
6. What did the servant see after the Lord opened his eyes? “Horses and _________ of fire” CHARIOTS
7. The Syrian army was smitten with ____________. BLINDNESS
8. To what city did Elisha lead the Syrian army? SAMARIA
9. What did the King of Israel want to do to the Syrians once they were in Samaria? _______ them. SMITE
10.What did the king prepare for the Syrian army? Great __________. PROVISION
11.The final result: The bands of Syria came ___ more into the land of Israel. NO
SECRET PHRASE: SEE GOD’S HELP AND SEE OTHERS WITH MERCY
LESSON #3 TRASHKETBALL (2 Kings 2-7)
GAME:
For this final lesson, we’re going to take a slightly different approach than the others. Rather than walking through a single central truth in depth, this lesson is designed to introduce our students to a wider range of stories and powerful principles that are found throughout these chapters. If you’ve watched the insight video, you know that I introduced and discussed a lot of different great stories from these chapters. So what you’ll do here is divide your classes into groups of 4-6 students. Then, you will read to them the following short stories found in our scripture block. After you’ve read the story, they have about 30 seconds to discuss what TRUTH they feel is the best match for the story. They can choose from any of the principles that are found on the following slide, or I will provide this list as a printout as well if you decide to go that route. Let them know that not all the principles are going to be used in the game.
Then, you as the teacher will reveal which teams selected the correct principle. Any team that answered correctly will get a point AND a chance to send a team member to the front to try and make a basket. And for that, all you need is a trash can, some masking tape, and a ball of some sort. And even if you don’t have a ball, you could always just crumple up some pieces of paper. But the way you set this up is to place a trashcan against a wall and then tape three pieces of masking tape on the floor at varying distances from the trashcan. Then with a marker, on the piece of tape closest to the trashcan, I would write 1 point. On the second further away, I would write 2 points. Then on the third piece, farthest away, I would write 3 points. And you know, sometimes, just for fun, I might even put a fourth piece of tape, really far away, like almost impossible to make it, and write 5 points on it. Also, about every 3 or 4 questions, I’ll do a shooting round only. Where, there is no scripture question, but every team gets a chance to take a shot and earn points. Team with the most points at the end of the game, wins. Simple, but effective. And, of course, while you’re playing, you can always take a minute or two to have a short discussion or give some brief commentary on why those principles are important for us to understand. And if you’d like some additional commentary and deeper teaching insights on these verses, you can always refer to the companion insight video where I explore many of these principles in more detail.
But here are the scripture blocks and their matching principles.
1. 2 Kings 2:7-15 When one servant of God departs, God’s authority and responsibility remain with a newly called servant. ANSWER: G
2. 2 Kings 2:23-24 Don’t mock the prophets OR when we use our words to tear others down, we damage trust, unity, and our own spirituality. ANSWER: C
3. 2 Kings 4:1-7 When what we have is not enough, we can place it in God’s hands and allow Him to multiply it. ANSWER: K
4. 2 Kings 4:8-17 When we serve others without seeking a reward, blessings still follow. ANSWER: J
5. 2 Kings 5:15-16, 20-27 Our integrity is more valuable than any money, possessions, or advantage dishonesty might bring. ANSWER: E
6. 2 Kings 6:1-7 No concern is too small or insignificant to bring before God. ANSWER: B
The rest of the principles on the sheet are not used in this lesson.
Now I recommend that you, as a teacher, become very familiar with each of these stories before you play the game so you can help give your students context or clarify some of the more difficult passages to understand. Watching the insight video can help prepare you for that.
Also, you might look at that list and say, “Wait, there’s only six questions?” And I’d respond . . .yes, I believe that’s all you would have time for. Because you have to read the stories, have them make their guesses, and then allow them to try to make baskets. That all takes time. And plus, if you do end up with extra time, you could always go back and discuss the principles of some of the stories in a little more depth.
INSIGHTS
ICEBREAKER
For an icebreaker this week, I’d like to do the following little quiz with you. Can you match the question with the answer? I have various numbers listed here and all you have to do is choose the number that matches the question.
How many pounds in a ton? 2000
How many books are in the Old Testament? 39
How many piano keys are on a standard piano? 88
How many cards are in a deck (with the Jokers)? 54
How many “trombones led the big parade” in The Music Man? 76
What’s the elevation of Mt. Everest in feet? 29,032
Well with that as an introduction, in my personal study of 2 Kings this past week I saw an interesting pattern. Almost every story in this week’s block of scripture contains a compelling or thought-provoking question. I’m going to provide you with a list of those questions on the following handout. Your task is to identify the answer that matches the question. You’ll see that on the handout that I have selected ten different stories from these chapters to draw your attention to. Now that’s a lot! I know. And you may wonder how we’re going to cover ten different stories in our usual hour-long time frame? Well, we won’t go verse by verse and I’m going to assume that you have read the scripture stories already as we begin to discuss them. I may summarize a little but for the most part we’re going to jump right into a discussion of their principles. So I’d invite you to go and read 2 Kings 2-7 first and then come back and watch the video. Also, as you can imagine, we won’t be doing the full treatment on each of these stories either. I’ll give you a few things though. Some insight into the story, a truth it teaches, and a “Liken the Scriptures” discussion question or activity. As a teacher, you could either approach the lesson with the handout and just try to cover as many as you can, or the stories your students are most interested in. OR, you could choose which lessons you would like to focus on considering the amount of time you have to cover them.
TEN QUESTIONS
1. 2 Kings 2:7-15 Where is the Lord God of Elijah? (The Spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha)
2. 2 Kings 2:23-25 ???! She-bears. (Don’t tear others down)
3. 2 Kings 4:1-7 What hast thou in the house? (Bring it to me)
4. 2 Kings 4:8-17 What then is to be done for her? (She shall have a child)
5. 2 Kings 5:1-15 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? (Only the Jordan will do)
6. 2 Kings 5:1-15 If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing wouldest thou not have done it? (Yes. Therefore, I will wash seven times)
7. 2 Kings 5:15-16, 20-27 Is it a time to receive money? (No. Integrity is worth more)
8. 2 Kings 6:1-7 Where fell it? (It shall be recovered)
9. 2 Kings 6:8-18 Alas my master! How shall we do? (Fear not, for they that be with us, are more than they that be with them)
10. 2 Kings 6:19-23 Shall I smite them? Shall I smite them? (No, feed them)
TRUTH #1—2 Kings 2:7-15 Where is the Lord God of Elijah?
How many of you out there would describe yourselves as visual learners? Can you relate to that? I can. Object lessons, illustrations, symbolism, demonstrations, pictures, these things often have a power to teach and edify in a way that no lecture or speech can. Apparently, God tends to be more of a visual teacher, or he understands this aspect of human nature because he employs these visual techniques frequently in the scriptures. Some lessons really don’t need much explanation or commentary. 2 Kings 2:7-15 contains just such a story. I want you to read it and just tell me what you feel the Lord was communicating to those who witnessed this and to all of us who read it. Visually, what does it say?
And what did you feel the message was? As Elijah walks towards the mount, he takes off his mantle (or his robe) and hits the Jordan river with it, and it parts. Then as he is taken up into heaven by a chariot of fire, that same mantle falls to the ground. And what does Elisha do? He walks over, picks it up and wraps himself in that same mantle. And then he goes out and performs the exact same miracle at the Jordan River that Elijah had just performed. So what does the mantle represent? It represents authority, priesthood, or the calling of prophet. And the message? When one of God’s servants is taken, or his calling has been fulfilled, even though the servant is taken, the power or the authority or the responsibility remains. It’s the mantle that holds the power, not necessarily the individual. Therefore, the answer to our question “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” is what? It’s what the people conclude after witnessing these miracles. “The Spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha.” God knows that the authority and responsibility to lead and bless his people needs to continue on the earth or in his Church even though his servants are released. The mantle remains. And that applies to all callings and responsibilities. There is a mantle that rests on missionaries. There is a mantle that rests on prophets. There is a mantle that rests on teachers. There is a mantle that rests on Relief Society presidents, and Bishops, and primary leaders, and every other calling in this church that depends on the authority and power of God to fulfill it.
And that is one of the reasons you can have confidence in yourself to perform whatever God calls you to do, because the mantle brings certain powers and abilities with it. Elisha did not have the power to part the Jordan River until he had received the mantle, and then he could! I think it’s quite a natural thing for us to doubt our abilities when called to fulfill a responsibility in the Church. If you don’t feel that you have the ability to fulfill a certain calling or a responsibility that you’ve been given, you’re probably right. You can’t, on your own. But don’t for a second doubt the power of the mantle. The mantle comes from God and wearing It will allow you to do what he desires you to do. It will give you the power. I know that I have felt that mantle on my shoulders on many occasions and in various callings. I felt it as a missionary, I’ve felt it as a teacher. I’ve felt it particularly strongly when I was called as Bishop. There are certain weaker aspects of my character that I felt have been strengthened by the mantle of the calling. I have sensed some changes in my personality and my approach to things because of it. The mantle gives the power.
And then, an interesting observation here. Take some of the modern prophets for example. Have you ever noticed when a new prophet is called that there is somewhat of a change in them? Maybe it’s just me, but could this be because the mantle of “prophet” has rested on them? Every prophet has their own personality and gifts, and strengths, no doubt about it, but have you ever noticed a change in one of the brethren from apostle to president of the Church. If I had to describe Ezra Taft Benson as an apostle, I would perhaps say he was a little (I want to be careful about the word I use here) tougher, harder, a little more rigid in his teaching and personality. But when he became the prophet, you could almost sense a bit of a softening in him? Could that have been the effect of the mantle placed on his shoulders? On the other hand. What about Thomas S. Monson? I would say his style as an apostle was a bit more light-hearted, fun, relaxed? Just as a part of his personality. But when he became the President of the Church, there appeared to be a firming of his character, a greater seriousness and purposefulness in his style. Could that have been the effect of the mantle of prophet on his shoulders?
Also, prophets will often wrap themselves in the mantle of those who came before them. For example. When Elisha parts the Jordan, he’s obviously wrapping himself in the mantle of Elijah. But whose mantle was Elijah wrapping himself in when he performs that miracle? Joshua. Joshua did the same kind of thing when he leads the children of Israel into the promised land. And whose mantle was Joshua wrapping himself in? The mantle of Moses, who had parted the Red Sea. And then Jesus. Does he wrap himself in this same mantle as each of these prophets? Yes. I think so. But Jesus always seems to take it just a step further. He performs a miracle that is just a little greater. Instead of parting a body of water that stands in front of him as a barrier, and walking across it on dry ground, what does Jesus do? He just walks on top of the water. When Jesus does this, he is wrapping himself in the mantle of Elisha, and Elijah, and Joshua, and Moses. Many of the miracles of Jesus can be compared and connected to miracles that prophets performed in the Old Testament. Why did he do this? To help the people to know that he was the Christ. That he was the one that the prophets had prophesied of and that he held their same power. The Jews should have recognized the Savior when he came because he mirrored and, in many ways, transcended their miracles. The mantle can serve this kind of purpose as well. It helps others to know that the new individual has now been called to fill that same role. This happened with Brigham Young after Joseph Smith had been martyred and the members of the church were confused as to who would assume the role of President of the Church. Many witnesses say that as Brigham spoke in a special meeting, that he either appeared or sounded exactly like Joseph in that moment. In that case, the servant was gone, but the mantle remained. I believe that same mantle now rests on Russell M. Nelson.
TRUTH
When a servant of God departs, (and that can be either through release or passing away) the mantle of God’s authority remains.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Here’s a short activity you could do with your students to help them apply this story. Encourage them to choose one of the following scenarios and either have them write or share with the class what they think they would say to these individuals in these situations. Encourage them to use the story in 2 Kings 2 somewhere in their answer.
Scenario #1: The President of the Church has just passed away. I had such a strong testimony of him as a prophet and now I’m struggling to accept the new President and the decisions and counsels he’s giving. He’s so different from the prophet I’ve known. What should I do?
Scenario #2: My youth leader just got released. I can’t believe the bishop would do that to us! I had such a great relationship with them, and they were so cool. I don’t even know this new person and don’t see how things will ever be the same. What should I do?
TRUTH #2-2 Kings 2:23-25 ???! (She-bears)
OK. I did cheat a little on this next one because it’s the only story that isn’t based on an actual question in the scriptures. But it’s a story that definitely raises a lot of questions in people when they read it. It’s one of those “WHAAAAT????!” stories in the Old Testament. Did you read it? Yeah. It’s a bit of a shocker, isn’t it. I love telling this story to my students and having them look up at me with wide eyes and say: So the bears ate them because they made fun of his baldness? Well, maybe. But a little bit of help here. When it says “little children” be sure to look at the footnote. These aren’t toddlers, or 9 or 10-year-olds. The original Hebrew word suggests youths. These are probably a group of punk teenagers who are giving the prophet a hard time. I know that isn’t much better, but maybe a little bit. But they make fun of the prophet. And then, bears come out of the woods and the scriptures say they “tare” them? Now that probably means that they were killed by the bears, but it could also possibly be interpreted as being scattered by them. Tearing through the crowd and frightening them away. I don’t know that for sure but it’s a possibility.
But what principles could you see taught by this story?
TRUTH
Here are a few ideas. Don’t mock the prophets. When we mock our inspired leaders, dismiss them, regard them as obsolete or old, don’t be surprised when the bears of unbelief, consequence, bondage, or worldliness tear through our lives or bring spiritual death in their jaws.
Another idea. What were the youths doing with their words? They were seeking to tear someone else down. Making fun of Elijah’s outward appearance and belittling him and his authority. Maybe the lesson could be: When I seek to tear others down, I will be torn. What do we lose when we tear others down? Potential friendships are torn. The respect of those around us who may begin to wonder if we will talk about them that way also is torn. The spirit is torn from us. Unity and brotherhood are torn. Instead we should do as Doctrine and Covenants 108:7 counsels:
7 Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.
Personally, I would rather be the mocked than the mocker. I would rather be the persecuted than the persecutor. Those that seek to put others down only reveal their own insecurities and only succeed in isolating themselves and their spirits.
Our match then for this story would be, “Don’t tear others down”
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
In the spirit of living the lesson of this story, let’s do the opposite of these youths. Rather than tearing people down, let’s seek to build people up right now. Two options here. What is something you love about the prophet or the brethren or another church leader you know. Give them a compliment or share some words of affirmation and belief in them. Or do the same with someone that is right here in the classroom with us. Share something good about someone in our class. As a teacher, I’ve found this to be one of the most unifying and positive discussions we ever have as a class.
TRUTH #3 2 Kings 4:1-7 What hast thou in the house?
I hinted that we would discuss this truth last week when we studied the story of the widow of Zaraphath. In this chapter, we have another widow with great faith who had the courage to put God first. She’s also a great example of the fourth watch principle. But there’s something additional here I wish to point out. What did Elisha require of her before the miracle was performed? Before the multiplying of the oil in the vessels she provides? He didn’t just come along and wave his hand and make the money she needed to free her sons from the debt appear in front of her. He asked the question, “What hast thou in the house?” And she brings what she has. She had one small pot of oil. That was it. But that was still something! She was not empty handed. So Elisha says, bring it to me. And that would be the match for our question. And then he instructs to go out and borrow as many other vessels as she could find, which she does, and the miracle occurs.
This is a crucial pattern in how the Lord works miracles for his disciples. It seems that he always asks for what we have first. God does not intend to do everything for us. Remember he’s training us, teaching us, and preparing us in mortality for greater things in eternity. We are like little gods in training. So he invites us and says, bring me what you have and have the faith to put it into my hands, and then see how I can multiply it and make it more than enough.
This was the same with the widow of Zaraphath. Elijah asked her for what she had first. She had a little cake, and a small cruse of oil. And with that, Elijah was able to multiply it and make it more than enough to get through the famine. Speaking of wrapping yourself in the mantle of those that came before. What was Jesus’s manifestation of this miracle? Did he ever do something where he multiplied something in order to feed someone? The feeding of the 5000. The same pattern is demonstrated there. Before he performed the miracle, Jesus said, what do you have? And the apostles say, oh, “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9) And Jesus says, bring them to me, and put them into my hands. And they do. And he makes it enough. More than enough. Enough to fill them and still have twelve baskets left over.
How does this apply to us? Whatever miracle you request, help you desire, or answer to prayer you seek, be sure to bring what you have first. Bring your faith, no matter how small. Bring your ability, no matter how insignificant it seems. Bring your sacrifice, even though it may seem like nothing in comparison to what you need. But it’s amazing what God can do with that small offering. He can feed thousands with it, he can get you through the famine, he can match the need and exceed it.
TRUTH
When I lack sufficient for my needs, if I bring what I have, place it in God’s hands, then he can multiply it.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Has God ever “multiplied your oil”? Please share.
I can think of times when he’s done this for me. He’s multiplied my finances when I’ve paid my tithes and offerings. He’s multiplied my ability as I’ve shown a willingness to serve in various callings. He’s multiplied my time and energy when I’ve been willing to put spiritual things first. He’s multiplied my patience as a parent when I’ve been willing to give love to my family members. And on and on. God can multiply our oil, when we have the faith to bring to him what we have.
TRUTH #4 2 Kings 4:8-17 What then is to be done for her?
The Shunammite woman. Don’t you just love her heart? The scriptures describe her as a great woman. But what made her great? Did she accomplish some tremendous task? Did she lead armies into battle? Did she perform some miracle? No. What made her great? Her desire to be kind. Without being asked, she graciously saw to the needs and comfort of Elisha. She saw a need and sought to fulfill it. She sensed that Elisha could use a place to stay whenever he passed through that area. So what did she do? She makes a comfortable little room for the prophet to stay in. It had a bed, a table, a stool, and a candlestick. How thoughtful of her! She renders this service with no thought of reward. So Elisha says, “Behold thou hast been careful for us with all this care”. And Elisha asks our question, “What shall be done for her?” She’s blessed. She doesn’t have any children, so Elisha promises that she will have a son. That would be our match: She shall have a child. But keep in mind, that’s not why she performed the service. She wasn’t motivated by a desire to get anything from this interaction. She’s not in the back of her mind thinking, “Oooh, if I do this for the prophet, maybe he’ll put in a good word to God for me and I can receive this blessing I’ve been hoping for.” I don’t think that was it at all. She serves and thinks of her fellowman because that is just the kind of woman that she was. And she’s blessed because of it. Although I believe she still would have done this kind of thing even if she knew there would be no future reward because of it. Though she asked for nothing, the Lord, through his prophet, chose a suitable blessing for her. It’s often best that way. I have sometimes received my desires from the Lord only to discover that they didn’t bring the fulfillment I had anticipated. Other times I have been denied what I wanted only to discover that the Lord had chosen a better path for me. Like the Shunammite woman, hopefully we can serve for the joy of serving, allowing the Lord to choose those blessings that will result in our happiness. These acts of service and kindness are their own reward.
TRUTH
When we serve with no thought of reward, God’s rewards still follow.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Who is someone you know who has served with no thought for reward?
TRUTH #5--2 Kings 5:1-15 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?
Ahh. The story of Naaman the Syrian. Such a powerful one and a personal favorite. There are two great questions asked in this story that I’d like to focus on. Now hopefully you’ve read the story and you know what happens. Naaman is the captain of the Syrian armies and a man of great wealth and influence, but, he has leprosy. And we learn that Naaman, in his military campaigns, had captured a little Israelite maid, who was now one of his servants. And perhaps there’s a quick additional principle I might throw in from this story that comes from this fantastic little girl. And here Naaman is, her captor, and she sees him suffering from leprosy. And she offers up her advice in testimony. Perhaps this suggests that he had been a good master to her. She says, “Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria!” (with an exclamation point) “For he would recover him of his leprosy.” And she must have said it with such sincerity and conviction, that he believes her, and he acts on her simple declaration of faith. The message? Never underestimate the power of your testimony and faith. Declare it! Proclaim it boldly. Even the testimony of a child has the power to change lives. So bear it. To think, if it hadn’t been for her example and boldness, Naaman would have died a leper.
So Naaman goes to Elisha with a dazzling display of his influence. He brings his chariot and horses and silver and gold, and changes of raiment and he rides up with this cohort to the prophets house. And how is he received? Elisha doesn’t even go out to him. He just sends a servant to tell him to go and wash in the Jordan river seven times. That is not what he was expecting. Here he is this great man, with great wealth, and great power, and great expectations of how thought this miracle was to take place. In my mind I picture him thinking that a “Beauty and the Beast” type transformation was going to take place, you know, floating in the air with light radiating around him as he miraculously is made whole once again. Naaman even describes his expectation. “Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.” But no, instead, a servant says, go dip yourself into the Jordan river seven times and you’ll be clean. Anti-climactic is an understatement. Naaman takes his questioning a step further. “All right, if I have to bathe in a river, why the Jordan? I can think of much better rivers to bathe in. And that leads us to our question.
“Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
You see, the Jordan river is not the nicest river in the world, so to speak. I’ve been there. I’ve seen it. It’s kind of muddy, small, and unremarkable. There are certainly prettier places on this planet. So, it shouldn’t surprise us that Naaman questions the request. He’s demonstrating a common phenomenon when it comes to the Lord or the prophet’s commands. Sometimes we want to bathe in a different river. The rivers we’re asked to bathe in don’t always look inviting to us. We may struggle with certain counsels or teachings of the brethren. Maybe we hope to ignore the instruction or modify it to a counsel that we feel more comfortable with. A counsel that is easier, more glamorous, more to our tastes.
But the correct answer to Naaman’s question may be, “No, Naaman, you may not bathe in those other rivers and expect the same blessing. You must bathe in the right river.” Only the Jordan will do. If Naaman had decided to go back to Damascus and dip himself seven times in the Abana river, would he have gotten the same result? I don’t think so. We cannot expect the same blessings if we alter the instruction. Sometimes we accept the Lord’s way as best for most people but think that we’re the exception. And there are, it’s true, exceptions to almost every principle of the gospel, but they are much rarer than I think we’d like to believe. If we feel that we are the exception to the Lord’s commands; if we asked Him for counsel and did not hear what we wanted; than hopefully, we will humbly turn towards the Jordan for our bath, instead of longingly looking over our shoulder at the Abana.
When I had my first son, I remember my Father telling me the question he asked his mother, my grandmother, when he had HIS first child, my older sister. Because my grandmother had been successful in raising three children in the gospel, my Dad wondered what parenting advice she had to help him to do the same. Her response: “Well,” she said, “your mother was too stupid to think that she had a better plan than the one the Lord gave. So I just did everything the Church asks us to do.” So I’m sure you could probably guess what my Dad’s childhood was like. Church on Sunday, seminary, family prayer and scripture study, an expectation to live the standards in the For the Strength of Youth, young men’s, and young women’s activities each week, etc.
Sometimes members may feel like they have a better plan than the Lord’s and so they adjust the commandment to their liking. “The prophet’s counsel doesn’t match my political views, so I guess I’ll just ignore it. The prophet’s counsel doesn’t fit with my business or personal financial strategy, I’ll do my own thing. The prophet’s counsel is interfering with my social life a bit, I can fudge a bit on the Word of Wisdom, or my media choices, or my language a bit just so I can fit in better. I’d rather bathe in the Abana or the Pharpar than in the Jordan. The Jordan is too muddy for my liking.” We shouldn’t be surprised when the promised blessings for obedience don’t appear down the road. Blessings are lost when we bathe in the wrong river.
TRUTH
Bathe in the right river and be healed. When we seek to modify, ignore, or adjust the Lord’s counsels, we most likely will miss out on the promised blessings.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Can you think of an area where you may be “bathing in the wrong river”? Are you willing to change?
TRUTH #6 2 Kings 5:1-15 If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing wouldest thou not have done it?
This is the rhetorical question Naaman’s servant asks him. Naaman feels that the request does not match the magnitude of the promise. How could this simple thing work? It’s so small and simple as to be almost trivial. Dip yourself in a river seven times? That’s not a big enough deal. Naaman desired to be asked to do something more grand, showy, or important. And I sometimes have to ask myself why the instruction was to dip himself seven times. Why seven? Well, picture that moment. How do you think that would have been with him? I picture Naaman dipping down into the water the first time and then popping up out of the water and excitedly looking at his arms and body to see if it was working. And I don’t think he would have seen a thing. I believe the transformation only took place after he had performed all seven dips completely. And what do you think would have happened if Naaman had given up after the 4th, or 5th, or the 6th dip? What if he had frustratedly left the river thinking, “This isn’t working, this is ridiculous.” I mean, remember that he’s not wild about the idea to begin with. I believe Naaman would have died a leper. All seven dips were required for the miracle to take place. The match for our question, and what Naaman will essentially say: Yes. If the prophet had asked me to do some great thing, I would have done it. Therefore, I will humble myself and wash seven times.
What can this story teach us? Are there simple things that God has asked US to do repeatedly? Yes. Are they sometimes easy to dismiss as being too simple to be worthwhile, to work? Do we make Naaman’s mistake of feeling that it is only the big or grandiose things that will bring the blessings. Are we more than willing to fulfill the big callings, serving in the presidencies, but balk at the seemingly “smaller” callings that aren’t as showy or that we don’t attach as much importance to? Do we say that we would be willing to die for our testimony, but we won’t live for it by keeping the small and simple things? Are there commandments we keep that don’t reveal their blessings immediately after we do them but only after repeated and consistent obedience? I think that’s the key to understanding the story of Naaman. Which dip do you think healed him? I don’t believe it was the first dip, or the fourth, or even the seventh dip. I believe it was the combination of all the dips together that made the difference. The seventh dip didn’t heal him anymore than the 2nd or 5th did. It’s the accumulation of repeated simple acts of obedience that brings the promised blessings. How many times do we say our prayers before a relationship with deity is formed? How many times do we say “I love you” before our marriages become strong and unbreakable. How many times do I pay my tithing before the principle of sacrifice really sinks deep into my heart. How many times do I study my scriptures before a foundation of gospel knowledge is forged? How many times do I hold family prayers or have family scripture study before my children gain an abiding testimony of the gospel? The key is that we perform all seven dips without giving up. That’s what matters most. In other words, don’t be a six-dip Saint. Go all the way. If you don’t see the desired or promised blessings yet, continue to obey that counsel, and eventually the blessing will come, the miracle will occur, the promise will be fulfilled. It is certain. When we arise from the 5th or 6th dipping, we must not lose hope or give in. Let us persevere until the seventh washing, when all the promises of the Lord are fulfilled. Say: I'm going to put my trust in the Lord, and endure to the end. I'm going to keep right on dipping until I see the Lord's hand in my life. I trust the prophet, I trust the scriptures, I trust my Heavenly Father.
TRUTH
It is the accumulation of small, repeated acts of obedience that brings about the greatest blessings.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Are there any small and simple commandments that you’ve been neglecting?
What great blessings or miracles have you experienced by keeping the “small and simple” commandments?
TRUTH #7 2 Kings 5:15-16, 20-27 Is it a time to receive money?
Gehazi. Elisha’s servant. Now here’s an interesting case study in dishonesty, right? Do you catch what happened? Once Naaman is healed, he’s so grateful, that he offers to give Elisha great wealth as a token of his appreciation. But, Elisha doesn’t perform miracles for money, but out of a charity and love for his fellowman and so he refuses to take it and Naaman graciously rides away. But Gehazi, hearing about the promise of riches, thinks to himself. Hmmm, well if Elisha isn’t going to take anything, why not cash in on this miracle myself. And so he runs after Naaman, stops his procession, and says, “Uh, actually, Elisha has changed his mind, he, uh, some visitors just arrived and he could use a little money, yeah, that’s it.” So he lies to Naaman, who gives him two talents of silver and some clothing. Gehazi chuckles all the way home at his good fortune. But when he comes to Elisha again, he’s questioned. “Gehazi, Whence comest thou?” or, “Where have you been?”. And as it is so often with dishonesty, to cover up his first lie, he has to tell another, digging himself even deeper into a hole of deceit. “Thy servant went no wither.” I haven’t been gone; I’ve been here the whole time. What are you talking about Elisha? And then the prophet asks our question: Is it time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? What is he asking here? Is this a situation or circumstance that justifies the taking of money? Is wealth more valuable to us than our integrity? Maybe there are times when we should ask ourselves the same question. Is this a time to prioritize money? As a parent, when we try to determine how much time to spend making money, and how much time we choose to spend with our children and families. When it comes to our tithes and offerings, do we hold back so as to increase our prosperity? When it comes to our business dealings are we honest in our dealings with our fellowmen? Do we value integrity over wealth? The match for our question here: No, our integrity is worth more.
TRUTH
My integrity is more valuable than my prosperity.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
To help my students liken the scriptures and really consider their own level of integrity, I sometimes like to give them the following “Honesty” quiz. This should be done anonymously and shouldn’t be handed in. It’s just a personal exercise that places them in various scenarios where their integrity may be tested and how they feel they would react. Here’s an example of one of the questions:
You’re taking a stroll when you see a stray $20 bill fall from the pocket of an elderly woman walking in front of you. She doesn’t notice the fallen money. What do you do?
Pick up the money, and hand it back to her.
Pick up the money. Hand her a five and tell her she dropped it. $15 is a reasonable finder’s fee.
Pick up the money and pocket it. Finders Keepers.
I won’t take the time to go through all these questions here, but I invite you to take a look at it if you’re interested. I’ll make it available for download to anyone who may like to use it.
TRUTH #8 2 Kings 6:1-7 Where fell it?
Here’s a fun little story. A man is out chopping wood when he loses his ax head in the river. So he goes to Elisha and says, Ah, the ax head was borrowed. What shall I do? Now when you stop and think about this situation, is it a matter of life and death? In the grand scheme of things, is this really an emergency? No. This is a small issue . . . to us. But to that man, at that moment, that’s all that mattered. This was a big deal, for him. It wasn’t even his ax he was using. That would have made for a very uncomfortable conversation with whoever he borrowed it from. And so what happens? Elisha puts a stick into the water, and the scriptures tell us that the iron swims to it. The ax head is recovered, and all is well. Now after we just read the story of Naaman where a man’s life was at stake makes this story stand out all the more. The juxtaposition sends the message. What do you think it is? The way I see it: God can do big miracles and small miracles. He answers big prayers, and little prayers. He can help in major, significant ways, and also in minor, inconsequential ways. There is no prayer too big or too little for God. Now that doesn’t mean that he always performs the big or small miracles, but he can. So even if your request seems insignificant, go ahead, and ask him. He will hear you. If it’s important to you, it will be important to him. He will hear it and consider your request in terms of his grace and wisdom. The match to the question, “Where fell it” would be: It shall be recovered. And it was.
TRUTH
God can answer small prayers too! Just as much as he can answer large prayers.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Has God ever answered one of your small prayers? What happened?
TRUTH #9 2 Kings 6:8-18 Alas my master! How shall we do?
In this next story, Elisha and his servant are surrounded by the hosts of the Syrian army while staying in the city of Dothan. The servant, beside himself, implores Elisha, “Alas my master! How shall we do?” Oh my gosh, we’re all dead men. We’re outnumbered. But Elisha shows no concern or worry. I’m sure this leaves his servant a bit incredulous. How can you be so calm at a time like this, Elisha? The prophet gives him his encouraging response. A great response for all of us to consider when we ask, “How shall we do?” in despair. He says, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” Perhaps the servant looked around and thought, “Where are you getting this reassurance. You’re wrong Elisha, they that be with them are more than they that be with us. Look around you.” Elisha prays that the Lord will open his servants eyes, which he does, and what does he see? Behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”
Beautiful story. Can you relate? Have you ever felt outnumbered? Have you ever felt like the enemy had the upper hand in your life? Have you ever felt intimidated by the forces that surround you? Perhaps this story can help. Realize that there are unseen forces and powers out there ready to race to your aid. We have allies, aid and help in places that we may not even realize. In an address he gave at BYU, Jeffrey R. Holland once referred to this Old Testament story and said the following:
“In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil, and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike--and they will--you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened, we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham's seed.”
Jeffrey R. Holland
(For times of Trouble, Jeffrey R Holland, BYU SPEECHES March 1980)
I too believe that we can rely on these forces when we feel weak or overwhelmed by the problems that surround us. They that be with us, are more than they that be with them.
TRUTH
When we feel outnumbered or overwhelmed, if we put our faith in God, he can send unseen relief and support to aid us in times of trouble.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
What evidence have you seen in your own life that this principle is true?
TRUTH #10 2 Kings 6:19-23 Shall I smite them? Shall I smite them?
Now this is a continuation of the previous story. How do those chariots of fire manifest their help and power in this situation? Elisha smites the Syrian army with blindness with the power of God. Now the tables have turned. And Elisha comes out to them and says, “Follow me, I know the way to the place you’re looking for.” And they follow him. And where does he lead them. Straight into the middle of Samaria. Right into the center of enemy territory. Now THEY are the ones that are surrounded. They’re getting a little taste of their own medicine. Now here comes our question. It comes from the King of Israel, who now sees that his enemies are in his hands. HE’S got the advantage now. And he asks, “Shall I smite them? Shall I smite them?” The fact that the request is repeated suggests eagerness and desire. Let me at ‘em. Let me at ‘em. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this. But what does Elisha have them do?
22 And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
He says, “Don’t attack them. Feed them, and let them go home. And so the King does. That would be our match on our handout: No, feed them instead. And what’s the result of this? The final phrase of verse 23 kind of says it all, doesn’t it? So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. What apparently is one of the best ways to get rid of your enemies? Make them your friends. When given an opportunity to hurt, or to get revenge, or to take advantage, don’t. Serve others, help them, feed them. The benefits of kindness and charity far outweigh any smug conceit that stems from spite or reprisal.
There’s a fantastic story about Joseph Smith where he had been kidnapped by his enemies who were planning on taking him back to Missouri for prosecution with the ultimate intent to kill him. But, to the kidnappers dismay, they take a wrong turn on the way back to Missouri and instead take the road that leads them straight to Nauvoo where Joseph is promptly rescued. Now they were in his hands. And what did Joseph do? He had Emma cook them a sumptuous meal and he sent them on their way.
You may also recall Jesus teaching this principle in the sermon on the mount. He said:
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
(Matthew 5:44)
TRUTH
The best way to get rid of your enemies, is to make them your friends. Kindness is stronger than revenge.
LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES
Do you have any “Syrian armies” in your own life at this time? People that you would like to get back at, even the score with, or exact your revenge on them?
How could you “feed them” instead?
Will you?
CONCLUSION
Aren’t those great stories? Such a fun block of scripture. I hope you learned something new. Perhaps one of these questions we’ve studied today has mirrored some of your own. That’s the power of the scriptures. They hold the key to so many of life’s questions. We just have to do a little searching in order to find them.
THE BIG QUESTION
Before we conclude though, there is a big picture kind of question that I’d like to leave you with. As I studied these stories this week, a larger question seemed to keep looming at the back of my mind. And it goes something like this: Why does God intervene in some cases and not others? The gravity of the stories is so varied here in 2 Kings. Why smite a Gehazi, the teenagers with the she-bears, or even an Uzzah for seemingly small infractions, and not take others whose evil has certainly affected and brought suffering to thousands? Why smite them and not smite a Hitler, or a Stalin, or a child abuser? Also, why does God intervene in blessing some people but not others? I’m sure that the woman in debt with the two sons was not the only person in Israel with a great challenge on their hands, or the Shunammite woman the only Israelite with an unfulfilled desire, or Naaman the only leper in the kingdom. Naaman wasn’t even an Israelite. Or the man with ax head? Surely that wasn’t a matter of life and death. Why answer his request and deny others with much greater issues at hand God’s help? You may have asked that question yourself at some point as you look around you. Maybe you hear someone get up and bear their testimony and share how God has blessed them in some way or answered their prayers or fulfilled their desires, but your prayers go unanswered. And for all intents and purposes, your desire seems like a greater one—one with higher consequences or more import. Why has God answered their prayers, and not yours?
And what’s the answer to that question? I don’t know. I wish I could give you the definitive reason. These issues are difficult to ascertain. But that may be a very good discussion question to ask your class. In fact, I’m very curious to hear how faithful members of the church would answer that question. I’m sure there will be members of your classes that can come up with better answers than I could give.
I will offer one of my thoughts though. Perhaps the only answer I could give is the one that Isaiah gives in Isaiah 55:8-9.
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
I guess what it comes down to is, drum roll please, faith in God. Trust in God. One of our greatest challenges in this life is to learn to trust in God’s wisdom. We do not have the power to see things with his perspective. We don’t have his vantage point. I imagine he may be able to look down and say, “Hey, you have no idea how any times I have intervened, and you just didn’t realize it. Because my intervention prevented things that would have happened, but they didn’t, but how would you know or see that, because they didn’t happen. All you see are the things that did. How many Hitlers or Stalin’s has God removed before they could do their damage and we just don’t know about it? How many times has God protected you from evil or given you a blessing and you just assumed it was the normal course of life? Have you ever prayed to arrive safely at some destination and lo and behold you did? Maybe because of your prayer, something was prevented. Maybe God did intervene on your behalf? How would you know? And God isn’t interested about getting the credit. But I wonder if he ever looks down at us when we doubt or question his wisdom or plan or the way he runs the universe and just shakes his head a little and says, “My child, you just don’t understand. If you could only see the universe the way I see it. My thoughts are not your thoughts. My ways are higher than your ways. Trust me. All will be crystal clear someday. Your mortal eyes cannot behold, and your mortal minds cannot comprehend at this time.”
So I don’t have the answer to why God intervenes in some cases and not others. But I have faith, that someday, all those questions will be answered. I believe that there is an explanation to every question and every problem and every life situation we encounter. Big or small, general or personal, right down to the issues and unanswered prayers of my own personal life. I don’t know all the answers, but I have faith that there are answers that will come and that I will be satisfied with those answers. The big questions of my life, the big doubts, and concerns, the “why didn’t you intervene’s” and the “why did you answer their prayers and not mine’s?” and the “how could you allow THAT to happen to THEM’s” will all be beautifully and satisfactorily answered. And we’ll say, “Oh, well that makes sense. I am content with your explanation, God.”
