Transforming Brokenness: Finding Renewal in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the story from 2 Kings where Elisha purifies a pot of stew that had become poisonous and multiplies loaves of bread to feed many. This narrative serves as a powerful metaphor for our own lives, where we often find ourselves dealing with "death in the pot"—situations filled with despair, lack, and brokenness. Just as Elisha brought renewal and sustenance to the sons of the prophets, we are invited to bring our own death-filled pots and half-filled bags to the Lord of renewal, Jesus Christ.
In times of famine—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—we are called to bring our needs and our brokenness to God. The story of Elisha teaches us that God can transform our dire circumstances into sources of life and renewal. When we feel consumed by thoughts of not having enough—whether it's money, food, energy, or peace—we are reminded to turn to God, who is our ultimate sustenance.
The act of bringing our "first fruits" to God, even when it feels like we don't have enough, is an act of faith. It signifies our trust in God's provision and His ability to multiply and renew. This is not just about physical sustenance but also about spiritual renewal. We are encouraged to bring our whole selves to God, including our broken stories and false selves, and allow Him to transform them into sources of life and connection with others.
Jesus is the better Elisha, the one who invites us to drink from His never-ending fountain and feast on the nourishment of His body. He is the Lord of the feast, the harvest, and the renewal. In Him, we find the true source of life and sustenance. Renewal begins in the dark places of our lives, and it is through bringing our pots, our bodies, and our first fruits to Jesus that we experience true renewal and revival.
### Key Takeaways
1. Bring Your Brokenness to God: Just as Elisha purified the poisonous stew, we are invited to bring our own "death-filled pots" to God. Whether it's bitterness, exhaustion, or a sense of emptiness, God can transform these into sources of life and renewal. [59:45]
2. Trust in God's Provision: The act of bringing our first fruits to God, even in times of scarcity, is a profound act of faith. It signifies our trust in God's ability to provide and multiply what we offer, turning our "not enough" into "more than enough." [01:02:49]
3. Embrace Your True Self: We often carry an "invisible bag" filled with parts of ourselves that we hide from the world. Bringing this bag to God allows Him to transform our hidden, broken parts into sources of connection and life for others. [01:09:00]
4. Jesus as the Source of Renewal: Jesus is the ultimate source of renewal and sustenance. He invites us to drink from His never-ending fountain and feast on His body, the living bread. In Him, we find true life and renewal. [01:14:36]
5. Renewal Begins in the Dark: Renewal often starts in the dark, difficult places of our lives. Whether it's a seed in the ground or Jesus in the tomb, new life begins in the dark. We are called to bring our whole selves to Jesus, who transforms our brokenness into life. [01:16:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[49:31] - Introduction and Prayer
[50:54] - Reading from 2 Kings
[52:31] - The Reality of Famine
[54:19] - Consumed by Thoughts of Lack
[55:45] - The Sons of the Prophets' Hunger
[57:06] - Death in the Pot
[58:10] - Elisha's Miracle of Renewal
[58:52] - Application: Bring Your Brokenness to God
[59:45] - The Poison of the Past
[01:00:23] - The Deep Ache of Hunger
[01:01:11] - The Enemy of My Enemy
[01:02:00] - The Man from Baal-shalashah
[01:02:49] - The Act of Faith in First Fruits
[01:05:48] - The Ethic of Scarcity
[01:07:32] - The Invisible Bag
[01:09:00] - Midlife and the Bag
[01:10:44] - The Choice to Open the Bag
[01:12:42] - Bringing Your Whole Self to God
[01:14:36] - Jesus as the Better Elisha
[01:16:16] - Renewal Begins in the Dark
[01:18:15] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Kings 4:38-44 (ESV)
> "And Elisha came again to Gilgal when there was a famine in the land. And as the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, he said to his servant, 'Set on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.' One of them went out into the field to gather herbs and found a wild vine and gathered from it his lap full of wild gourds, and came and cut them up into the pot of stew, not knowing what they were. And they poured out some for the men to eat. But while they were eating of the stew, they cried out, 'O man of God, there is death in the pot.' And they could not eat it. He said, 'Then bring flour.' And he threw it into the pot and said, 'Pour some out for the men, that they may eat.' And there was no harm in the pot. A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, 'Give to the men, that they may eat.' But his servant said, 'How can I set this before a hundred men?' So he repeated, 'Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, "They shall eat and have some left."' So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Elisha instruct his servant to do when he arrived in Gilgal during the famine? ([50:54])
2. How did Elisha purify the pot of stew that had become poisonous? ([50:54])
3. What was the reaction of Elisha's servant when asked to feed a hundred men with twenty loaves of barley? ([50:54])
4. What was the outcome after Elisha's servant followed his instructions regarding the loaves of bread? ([50:54])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the act of Elisha purifying the stew symbolize in our spiritual lives? ([58:52])
2. How does the story of the man bringing his first fruits to Elisha illustrate trust in God's provision? ([01:02:49])
3. In what ways does the narrative of Elisha multiplying the loaves of bread point to Jesus as the ultimate source of renewal and sustenance? ([01:14:36])
4. How can the concept of "renewal beginning in the dark" be understood in the context of personal spiritual growth? ([01:16:16])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like there was "death in the pot" in your life. How did you bring this brokenness to God, and what was the outcome? ([59:45])
2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's provision? How can you practice bringing your "first fruits" to God as an act of faith? ([01:02:49])
3. We often carry an "invisible bag" filled with parts of ourselves that we hide from the world. What are some things you have hidden in your bag, and how can you start bringing them to God for transformation? ([01:09:00])
4. Jesus invites us to drink from His never-ending fountain and feast on His body, the living bread. How can you make time this week to connect deeply with Jesus as your source of renewal? ([01:14:36])
5. Renewal often starts in the dark, difficult places of our lives. Identify a dark area in your life where you need renewal. What steps can you take to bring this area to Jesus? ([01:16:16])
6. How can you support someone in your small group who is experiencing a "famine" in their life, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual? ([54:19])
7. Think about a specific situation where you feel you don't have enough—whether it's time, energy, or resources. How can you bring this "not enough" to God and trust Him to multiply it? ([01:02:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Transforming Brokenness into Renewal
Description: In life, we often encounter situations that feel like "death in the pot"—moments filled with bitterness, exhaustion, or emptiness. These experiences can leave us feeling hopeless and defeated. However, just as Elisha purified the poisonous stew, we are invited to bring our own brokenness to God. When we present our "death-filled pots" to Him, He has the power to transform them into sources of life and renewal. This act of bringing our brokenness to God is not just about seeking relief but about trusting in His ability to bring about profound change in our lives. [59:45]
2 Kings 4:40-41 (ESV): "They poured out some for the men to eat. But while they were eating the stew, they cried out, 'O man of God, there is death in the pot!' And they could not eat it. He said, 'Then bring flour.' And he threw it into the pot and said, 'Pour some out for the men, that they may eat.' And there was no harm in the pot."
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you feel broken or defeated. How can you bring this "death-filled pot" to God today and trust Him to transform it into a source of renewal?
Day 2: Faith in God's Provision
Description: The act of bringing our first fruits to God, even in times of scarcity, is a profound act of faith. It signifies our trust in God's ability to provide and multiply what we offer, turning our "not enough" into "more than enough." This principle is not just about physical sustenance but also about spiritual and emotional provision. When we feel consumed by thoughts of lack—whether it's money, food, energy, or peace—we are reminded to turn to God, who is our ultimate sustenance. By offering our first fruits, we declare our dependence on Him and our belief in His abundant provision. [01:02:49]
2 Corinthians 9:10 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you don't have enough? How can you offer your "first fruits" in this area to God as an act of faith and trust in His provision?
Day 3: Embracing Your True Self
Description: We often carry an "invisible bag" filled with parts of ourselves that we hide from the world—our fears, insecurities, and past mistakes. Bringing this bag to God allows Him to transform our hidden, broken parts into sources of connection and life for others. This process involves embracing our true selves and allowing God to work through our vulnerabilities. By doing so, we not only experience personal healing but also become vessels of God's grace and love to those around us. Embracing our true selves is a journey of faith, trust, and openness to God's transformative power. [01:09:00]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: What are some parts of yourself that you have been hiding from others and even from God? How can you bring these hidden parts to God today and allow Him to transform them into sources of life and connection?
Day 4: Jesus as the Source of Renewal
Description: Jesus is the ultimate source of renewal and sustenance. He invites us to drink from His never-ending fountain and feast on His body, the living bread. In Him, we find true life and renewal. Jesus is the better Elisha, the one who brings complete and lasting transformation. When we come to Jesus with our needs, He not only meets them but exceeds them, offering us abundant life. This renewal is not just a one-time event but a continuous process of being filled and sustained by His presence. In Jesus, we find the true source of life and sustenance. [01:14:36]
John 6:35 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"
Reflection: In what ways do you need to experience renewal in your life today? How can you turn to Jesus, the source of true life and sustenance, to meet these needs?
Day 5: Renewal Begins in the Dark
Description: Renewal often starts in the dark, difficult places of our lives. Whether it's a seed in the ground or Jesus in the tomb, new life begins in the dark. We are called to bring our whole selves to Jesus, who transforms our brokenness into life. This process of renewal requires us to trust God even in the midst of our darkest moments. It is in these times that God does His most profound work, bringing about new life and growth. By surrendering our dark places to Jesus, we open ourselves to His transformative power and the promise of renewal and revival. [01:16:16]
Isaiah 45:3 (ESV): "I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name."
Reflection: Think of a dark or difficult place in your life where you need renewal. How can you bring this area to Jesus today and trust Him to bring about new life and growth?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Bring your poisonous gourds and your death-filled pots to the Lord of renewal. Now maybe you've been doing Jesus, but you've only tasted semi-rancid stew. Bring it to the Lord. Maybe you love it. Maybe you look around and all you feel right now in your life is the sting of death. Bring it to the Lord. You feel empty. Bring it to the Lord. You feel void and you look into the void of your life. You're obsessed about it. Bring it to the Lord." [59:45] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You feel dry. So dry and brittle that anything that might touch you might crack you. Bring it to the Lord. You taste the poison of your past. Redeemer, bring it to the Lord. You are bitter. Bring it to the Lord. That bitter root has unleashed a harvest of bitterness. Bring that harvest to the Lord. You're tired, so tired. Your life is an exercise of tail wagging the dog. Bring it to the Lord. You're hungry. Oh, so hungry for something, anything that might save you or inspire you or renew you. Bring that grumbling belly to the Lord." [01:00:23] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you bring all of those things to the Lord, Redeemer, you will discover that once the Lord touches, you will discover that once the Lord touches, you a little flower on it. There's no more harm in that pot. I don't know if you've heard this expression, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Like even the things that filled your death-filled pots, when that whole pot is given to Jesus, they don't have the same taste of death anymore, right? I mean, there's freedom and renewal and restoration." [01:01:11] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is the better Elijah who invited us to drink from a never-ending fountain of his living spirit and feast on the nourishment of his body, the living bread. Jesus is the Lord of the feast. He's the Lord of the harvest. He's the Lord of the renewal. He is the first fruit of what God intends to do in the world, namely bring life to potteries. Full of death and half-filled bags of false self and not enoughness." [01:14:36] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "New life starts in the dark. Whether it's a seed in the ground or a seed in the ground, whether it's a seed in the ground, a baby in the womb or Jesus in the tomb, it starts in the dark. And we are to bring our pots, our bodies, our first fruits, our whole selves, and consecrate it to the Lord of the renewal. It's when these things are brought to Elijah, renewal comes. We are to give ourselves to the Lord." [01:15:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The lack of harvest was a matter of survival of life and death. And in the ancient world and still parts of our world, in some marginal economies, providing for daily bread would take up most of the space that you have in your mind. It would take up most of your income. It consumes your thoughts. Now the question before us this morning, Redeemer, is what do we do? What do we do? What do we do? What do we do? What do we do? How many of you have had your thoughts consumed this week about having enough? Having enough money? Food? Maybe not stock for us here at Redeemer. Maybe for some. What about your needs? Your energy? Just life? What's consuming your thoughts this morning, Redeemer?" [52:31] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What do you do for sustenance or renewal when all there is is death in the pot? If someone doesn't point out to us that there's death in that pot, we would happily go on guzzling it into our guts, unaware of the poisonous results. Death in the pot, we need to pour it out. We need to start over. Like if you've ever mixed up a cake recipe adding salt instead of sugar, there is no fixing that. So the man of God cries out to Elisha, there's death in the pot. He knows that the man of God can renew this and consequently renew them." [57:06] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What I want you to hear this morning is your enoughness comes from the Lord. He's the only one who can take what we've stuffed into that bag and produce life from it. Like, remember, these are the things that we don't want people to see. See, and I'll tell you from experience of when you start to give this to the Lord and peer and take these things out of the bag, they become this thing that connects you to another person and brings life to them. Like our stories become this place by which we minister to other people in their stories. That's the beauty and wonder of the gospel." [01:12:42] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The gospel transforms us. God deals with our true self alone, not the false one. He calls us to get rid of this false way of being in the world, to be true before him and others. That's called repentance, by the way. And then he brings life. And that life actually comes before. It actually is the thing that produces that repentance. So the second application, bring your half-filled bags or stuffed full bags that you've been dragging through your life. Bring all of yourself to the Lord." [01:13:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Renewal begins in this unimpressive place where there's famine in the land, where there's vines of poisonous gourds, where there's death in the pot and only 20 loaves, some head of grain, and a long black bag full of our half-broken stories. Turn to Jesus. New life starts in the dark. Whether it's a seed in the ground or a seed in the ground, whether it's a seed in the ground, a baby in the womb or Jesus in the tomb, it starts in the dark. And we are to bring our pots, our bodies, our first fruits, our whole selves, and consecrate it to the Lord of the renewal." [01:15:48] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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