Beyond the Weekend: Correcting Spiritual Drift
In Correcting Spiritual Drift, Pastors Jeff Manion and Aaron Buer explore stories from the lives of the Old Testament prophets Elijah and Elisha. This series helps us see the pull toward spiritual drift and motivates us to fight against it. Through the stories, we see God continuing to work and call all people to him even as the people of Israel drift spiritually.
Week 1 Verses: 1 KINGS 16:29–33, 17:1
Week 2 Verses: I KINGS 18:30–39
Week 3 Verses: I KINGS 18:30–39
Week 4 Verses: I KINGS 19:1–6
Week 5 Verses: I KINGS 19:19–21
Week 6 Verses: 2 KINGS 6:8-21
Week 7 Verses: 2 KINGS 4:8–17
Week 8 Verses: 2 KINGS 5:1-10
Known
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory. 2 Kings 6:23
Read: 2 Kings 6:18-23
Listen: 2 Kings 6
TODAY'S MESSAGE
The long manhunt is about to come to an end as the capture of Elisha is just moments away. The Aramean army has him in their sights when God intervenes again. Elisha prays, and the army is struck blind. Elisha (their “guide”) leads them unknowingly inside the walls of Samaria, the capital of Israel. After another prophetic prayer, their eyes open and the Arameans see the Israelite army surrounds them.
With victory assured, King Joram asks for permission to destroy the Arameans. Surprisingly, Elisha says no. He knew that God’s purpose was not to destroy the Arameans but to save the Israelites. As a result, the only knives used that day were to slice the freshly-baked bread and cut the smoked meat. At this moment, Israel is doing what they’re supposed to be doing. They’re making God known by showing God’s goodness and grace.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Consider what you can do to make God known by showing his goodness and grace. It doesn’t have to be something that requires a lot of planning; something simple would be fine. Send a note of encouragement to a friend. Complete a needed task that helps your spouse. Show kindness to someone at school who is often on the outside. Begin to look for ways to do one such thing every day.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
