Of Axes and Angels
This lesson explores two of Elisha’s miracles that showcase God's care—from the recovery of a borrowed axe head to the deliverance of Israel from the Aramean army. Elisha helps a prophet retrieve an irreplaceable iron tool, demonstrating that God intervenes in personal concerns. Later, when enemy forces surround the city to capture Elisha, he asks God to open his servant’s eyes to see the heavenly army protecting them. The Arameans are then blinded, led into Israel’s capital, and shown mercy instead of vengeance. The lesson warns against the cultural obsession with angels, urging believers to seek God's presence and protection alone. Ultimately, God is shown as attentive to both national crises and individual fears.
Catching Golden Apples
This lesson focuses on the tragic greed of Gehazi, Elisha’s servant. After Naaman is healed of leprosy, he offers Elisha a generous reward, but Elisha refuses, wanting to show that God's grace is not for sale. However, Gehazi secretly follows Naaman, lies to him, and accepts the gifts for himself. When confronted, Gehazi lies again to Elisha—who, empowered by the Spirit, knows the truth. As judgment, the leprosy that left Naaman falls on Gehazi and his descendants. The lesson highlights how greed, deception, and a desire for personal gain can cost us everything. God’s grace is freely given and must never be exploited.
Out of the Mouths of Babes
This lesson centers on the profound impact of an unnamed Hebrew slave girl in the story of Naaman's healing. Despite enduring personal trauma—captivity, slavery, and separation from family—she demonstrates extraordinary compassion and faith by directing her master Naaman, a leprous Syrian commander, to the prophet Elisha for healing. Her bold witness challenges two common misconceptions: that effectiveness requires public recognition and advanced knowledge. Instead, the lesson affirms that honest courage and heartfelt compassion are the true marks of an effective witness. Through her example and a modern-day story of a Chilean girl, the lesson calls believers to share Christ courageously with a dying world.
Seven Dips to Forgiveness
This lesson recounts the story of Naaman, a highly respected Syrian military commander afflicted with leprosy. Though powerful and successful, his disease rendered him helpless. A young Israelite servant girl told Naaman's household about the prophet Elisha, who could heal him. Naaman initially tried to approach healing through wealth and influence, misunderstanding that God’s healing could not be bought or achieved through human merit. Elisha sent word that Naaman must wash in the Jordan River seven times, a humbling command that offended Naaman. But after persuasion, Naaman obeyed and was miraculously healed. The lesson emphasizes that spiritual healing—like Naaman’s physical healing—comes not through human effort, pride, or imagination, but by humble obedience to God’s way. It illustrates salvation by grace, not by works, and stresses that true cleansing and forgiveness are found only through God's appointed way, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
When Your Hands Are Tied (Part 2)
This lesson explores six impossible situations faced by the prophet Elisha, illustrating how faith operates when circumstances seem hopeless. Key themes include believing without evidence, obeying without emotion, and trusting God's word even in darkness. The Shunammite woman’s story demonstrates generous hospitality and how God rewards such faithfulness. Her miraculous experience—bearing a son and later seeing him raised from the dead—highlights divine compassion. Other miracles involve Elisha purifying poisonous stew and multiplying bread to feed many, showing God's provision through obedience. The lesson encourages believers to grow from crisis faith to confident, confirmed, and contagious faith.
When Your Hands Are Tied
This lesson explores how God demonstrates His presence and power in situations that appear hopeless—when our hands are tied. Through Elisha’s early ministry, three impossible scenarios unfold: healing Jericho’s water, confronting rebellious mockers, and aiding a destitute widow. Each event reveals that God is real, active, and able to intervene even when solutions seem unreachable. The lesson outlines common human responses to crises—panic, blame, and despair—using the Israelites at the Red Sea as an example. Instead, believers are called to stillness, trust, and confidence in God's sovereignty. Even when answers are delayed, God's timing proves perfect. The final application reminds us that though our hands may be tied, our hearts can triumph through trust, obedience, and praise.
Marks of True Greatness
This lesson reflects on the life and character of Joseph, highlighting seven marks of true greatness from a biblical perspective: Wise Use of Authority – Joseph never abused his power but deferred decisions to Pharaoh, displaying humility and integrity. Humble Living – He accepted his identity as a shepherd’s son, despite Egyptians viewing shepherds as lowly. Honest Administration – Joseph managed Egypt’s resources during the famine with remarkable honesty and accountability. Unselfish Service – He provided seed and fair terms to the people, ensuring their dignity remained intact. Open Grief – Joseph transparently mourned Jacob, showing that strength includes vulnerability and emotional expression. Gracious Forgiveness – He forgave his brothers wholeheartedly, recognizing God’s sovereign plan through their past wrongs. Visionary Faith – Joseph died believing in God’s promises, requesting his bones be taken to the Promised Land. The lesson concludes by contrasting worldly definitions of greatness with biblical ones—emphasizing character over conquest, and God’s approval over man’s applause.
Together … At Last!
This lesson centers on the emotional reunion of Joseph and his father Jacob after decades of separation. It begins with Pharaoh generously sending provisions and luxurious carts to bring Jacob and his family to Egypt. Joseph, while sending his brothers home, warns them not to quarrel, highlighting that repentance doesn't remove future temptations or consequences. Upon hearing the news, Jacob is initially stunned but finds hope revived through Joseph’s message and the evidence sent. Before entering Egypt, Jacob pauses in Beersheba to seek God’s guidance—a rare act of obedience and faith. God affirms Jacob’s journey, promising expansion into a great nation and a future exodus. When Joseph finally meets Jacob, the reunion is deeply moving, symbolizing restoration and fulfillment. Joseph demonstrates grace by providing generously for his family and honoring his humble origins. He proudly introduces his aged father to Pharaoh, and Jacob boldly blesses Pharaoh—an act of spiritual testimony. The lesson closes by connecting Joseph’s message to his brothers with the gospel: Christ is alive, exalted, and invites all to dwell with Him.
What An Attitude!
This lesson focuses on Joseph’s final test for his brothers and his eventual revelation of identity. Joseph places his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack to test his brothers’ hearts—will they abandon Benjamin as they once betrayed Joseph, or will they show change? Judah steps up, offering himself in place of Benjamin, which demonstrates a transformed heart and deep concern for their father, Jacob. This moves Joseph to reveal his identity, proclaiming God’s sovereign plan behind all the suffering. He forgives his brothers, weeps with them, and offers to provide for their families in Egypt. The lesson highlights themes of forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, and recognizing God’s providence through both painful and redemptive moments.
The Jacob Temperament
This lesson continues the account of Joseph’s brothers grappling with guilt and conviction. After returning home from Egypt, they find their silver returned in their grain sacks—deepening their fear and unease. When famine drives them back, Judah takes personal responsibility for Benjamin’s safety, a mark of his growing maturity and repentance. Upon their return, Joseph weeps at the sight of Benjamin but continues to test their hearts. The lesson emphasizes how God uses time, pressure, and circumstances to bring about true change. Guilt may haunt us, but God patiently works to restore us through conviction, responsibility, and grace.