Bible ReadingRevelation 10:1 “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire.”
[26:31]Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
[36:29]2 Kings 4:18-37 “When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, ‘Oh, my head, my head!’ The father said to his servant, ‘Carry him to his mother.’ And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door behind him and went out. Then she called to her husband and said, ‘Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.’ And he said, ‘Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.’ She said, ‘All is well.’ Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, ‘Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.’ So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, ‘Look, there is the Shunammite. Run at once to meet her and say to her, “Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?”’ And she answered, ‘All is well.’ And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, ‘Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.’ Then she said, ‘Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, “Do not deceive me?”’ He said to Gehazi, ‘Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply. And lay my staff on the face of the child.’ Then the mother of the child said, ‘As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So he arose and followed her. Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was no sound or sign of life. Therefore he returned to meet him and told him, ‘The child has not awakened.’ When Elisha came into the house, he saw the child lying dead on his bed. So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the LORD. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. Then he summoned Gehazi and said, ‘Call this Shunammite.’ So he called her. And when she came to him, he said, ‘Pick up your son.’ She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out.”
[42:52] [43:15]Observation questions- What details does Revelation 10:1 give about the mighty angel’s appearance, and what do the cloud, rainbow, shining face, and fiery feet show about God’s authority and power? [33:42]
- In Hebrews 4:16, what are believers invited to do, and what two things are they promised to receive when they come to God’s throne of grace?
- What did the Shunammite woman do after her son died, rather than simply remaining at home with her grief? [42:52]
- What does the fishing illustration picture about the danger of receiving a small glimpse of hope but staying stuck in the same place? [31:23]
Interpretation questions- Revelation 10 shows the mighty angel standing over land and sea. How does that picture speak to people who feel that sickness, family trouble, fear, or financial strain has become too large for them? [30:08]
- Hebrews 4:16 says believers may come with confidence to the throne of grace. What is the difference between coming boldly in faith and demanding that God work according to a person’s own timetable? [36:05]
- The Shunammite woman did not deny that her situation was painful, yet she refused to let death be the final word. What does her determination show about bringing a desperate need directly to God? [44:01]
- God’s covenant promises His faithfulness, but trials do not always disappear immediately. How can a believer’s steady faith through chemo, surgery, grief, or a long family battle become a witness to others? [29:42]
Application questions- Is there an area of life where a person may have begun to say, “This is as good as it is going to get”? What would it look like to pull up the anchor and take one real step closer to God this week? [37:19]
- What specific need—physical, emotional, family-related, or financial—needs to be brought boldly before God instead of being carried alone? How could Hebrews 4:16 shape that prayer?
- Moving closer to God may include prayer, Scripture, worship, repentance, or asking another believer for help. Which of these has been neglected lately, and what simple plan could help make room for it this week? [33:11]
- The Shunammite woman got up and went after help. When a burden becomes serious, who are safe and godly people to contact for prayer, encouragement, and practical support, while also seeking needed medical or mental-health care? [44:01]
- Christ’s face is like the sun, bringing light into dark places. What fearful or defeated thought needs to be brought into the light of God’s truth this week? [37:48]
- God’s covenant is not a reason to pretend pain is not real; it is a reason to hold onto hope while walking through pain. How can the group support someone who is still in the middle of a long battle without giving shallow answers? [30:01]
- The devil does not get the last word over a mind, family, body, or life. When thoughts of hopelessness or torment rise up, what practical steps can help a person reach toward God and toward trustworthy help instead of suffering in silence? [45:34]
