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BACKGROUND
DEFINITION OF TERMS
TYPE
TYPOLOGY
I. In the Old Testament
II. In the New Testament
III. Post-biblical developments
MIRACLE
MIRACLES
I. Miracles and the natural order
II. Miracles and revelation
III. Miracles in the New Testament
The
full background to this teaching is available online at this link
DETAILED DEFINITION OF TERMS
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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| THE SHUNAMMITE'S SON |
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 The prophet Elisha travelled round from place in Israel, encouraging the people to go on for God. as an itinerant preacher, he needed accommodation, somewhere to stay while fulfilling His calling.
A wealthy lady from Schunem, with an elderly husband, had him for meals during his frequent visits, being blessed by his presence. One day she had the bright idea to build a room on the roof of her house for Elisha to use as a home away from home.
Elisha appreciated this very much, so asked what he could do for her. She didn't want anything, seemingly being content with her life. However, Elisha's servant Gehazi knew that deep down, she regretted, as had Sarai earlier, not having had a baby. This was seemingly impossible for her, as her husband was too old to be fertile. Very likely, she was no 'spring chicken' herself.
Let us move on in her story and see how it relates to Jesus.
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| THE BIRTH OF A SON |
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 After being informed of her desire by Gehazi, Elisha called the woman to come, have a talk and receive God's promise.
2 Kings 4:15-16a
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 Her reaction was similar to Sarah and Abraham's. Disbelief! Ours too?
2 Kings 4:16b
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 But as God promised it, the baby was born within a year.
2 Kings 4:17
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| DEATH AND RESURRECTION |
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 He grew up until he was old enough to go out to his father in the fields.
One day however, while with his father, he had a brain haemorrhage.
2 Kings 4:19
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 His father had him raced back to his mother, in whose arms he died. She was devastated. How could this supernaturally given child die so young! So she decided, to the bemusement of her husband, who hadn't been told of the full situation, to seek Elisha's advice.
When he saw her coming, Elisha sent Gehazi to find out why she had come so unexpectedly. She didn't want to tell Gehazi, but complained to Elisha, seeking an explanation.
2 Kings 4:28
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 The Shunammite waited and went with Elisha. When they got back to the house Gehazi reported that the boy was indeed dead. So Elisha went in and prayed to the Lord.
2 Kings 4:33-35a
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| A PICTURE OF JESUS |
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 THE TYPES:
The Father…….Elisha
Jesus…………..The Shunammite's son
Holy Spirit…….Gehazi
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1. Elisha prayed and the boy rose from the dead
The Father sent His son to overcome death and rise from the dead.
2. Shunammite's son, conceived supernaturally, died and rose again.
Jesus, conceived supernaturally, died and rose again.
3. Gehazi looked after Elisha and the family.
The Holy Spirit teaches and guides us today.
4. The Shunammite woman believed the miracle birth impossible, even when told by Elisha.
Many people still disbelieve the Gospel message of reconciliation to the Father through the sacrifice of Jesus.
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| <i>NEXT WEEK</i>
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 John, the last of the Old Testament prophets was effectively, the bridge between the Old Testament and the New. For he was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. Of course, he didn't make it to the Day of Pentecost, from when we have all had the opportunity to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit!
John is a classic example of one was called of God, had a great ministry, even getting to announce the arrival of Jesus as the 'Lamb of God'. Yet then, in spite of His obedience to God, his ministry then greatly reduced, he was imprisoned, he had doubts as to whether he had really heard from God, and then he was executed for his faith.
Just goes to show that God's will is supreme. We don't necessarily have success upon success, even when we are submitted and obedient. Yet, as John finally realised, when we learn to rest in God, and accept His will, as Jesus did, we will receive the eternal rewards that we have been promised.
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 What a reward for faithfulness! To be firstly given a son, then given him back again a second time. How precious he would have been in his parent's eyes. All because the Shunammite woman looked after Elijah. What a story! What a lesson for us too.
We now continue our brief look at the desert areas of Israel.
THE NORTHERN EDGE OF THE WILDERNESS
This land is at the northern edge of the Israelite wandering. Clearly, the people of Israel could not have survived without God’s provision. They had to learn to depend on him. The small shrubs that grow here were called broom trees and frequently enter the biblical story (Gen. 21:15-16; 1 Kings 19:3—5). The burning bush may have been one of these trees (Ex. 3).
Source: http://www.followtherabbi.com
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
279. For God so loved the world that He gave... us grace and faith.
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
Laughing at Ourselves: http://www.wwj.org.nz/laugh.php
A look at some of lifes curious questions: http://www.wwj.org.nz/why.php
Everything you ever wanted to know about....: http://www.wwj.org.nz/exex.php
Life's a Laugh: http://www.wwj.org.nz/lifelaugh.php
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His mother was deliriously happy, as one would expect!