SERMON NOTES
You Should Have Struck Five or Six Times
2 Kings 13
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The author of 2 Kings turns our attention once again to the northern kingdom, where the descendants of Jehu reign, the prophet Elisha dies, and skirmishes with Syria continue. The reign of Jehoahaz is marked by his provoking the Lord to anger, but surprisingly includes a moment when he seeks the favor of the Lord and receives mercy. The northern kingdom does not turn back to the Lord even after a new king is installed or even as an old prophet is dying. When King Jehoash visits the prophet Elisah on his deathbed, he is instructed to shoot an arrow toward Syria and strike arrows on the ground. When he stops after striking the ground three times, Elisha reprimands him for not striking the ground five or six times. His failure to do so evidences a lack of faith, resulting only in partial victory for Israel against the Syrians. The subsequent death of Elisha and the continued war with Syria reveal that troubled times lie ahead, but God’s faithfulness will continue despite Israel’s sin. Such events serve as glorious reminders not to underestimate God, who is able to do abundantly more than we could ever ask or think.
01. We underestimate God when we think our sins are too great for Him to forgive.
02. We underestimate God when we think our battles are too personal for Him to win.
03. We underestimate God when we think our hopes in Him have come to an end.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. How does 2 Kings 13:2 evaluate the reign of King Jehoahaz? How does this evaluation explain the Lord’s actions in verse 3? What surprising turn of events occurs in verse 4? What does this passage suggest about the extent of God’s mercy to people who do not deserve it?
2. Compare 2 Kings 13:1-6 with Judges 2:11-20. In what ways do these patterns seem to play out today? What can we conclude about human nature in general when people only turn to the Lord in times of trouble and quickly forget the grace of God when times of trouble are over?
3. Even though Joash was not a godly king, he wept over Elisha as his life was coming to an end (verse 14) and seems to acknowledge that Israel’s security was not based entirely on its military prowess. Does this recognition of spiritual authority encourage you to pray for our nation and to be salt and light in the world?
4. Why did Elisha become angry with King Joash (verse 19)? Do you believe that God is in control of all things and yet we are responsible for trusting Him by faith to accomplish His will through us? Using our points of application in the message, do you find yourself underestimating God in these three areas?
5. Notice how the grace and compassion of the Lord are traced back to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (verse 23). How do these words affect you as you think about God’s covenant to us in Christ? Give thanks to God for His continued faithfulness throughout every generation and for all time.
For Further Reading: J. B. Phillips, Your God is Too Small: A Guide for Skeptics and Believers Alike (first published, 1952; Touchstone edition, 2004)