No one enjoys being interrupted. Whether you are telling a story and are interrupted mid-story, or you are working hard on a task and are interrupted by someone asking for help, interruptions are almost always inconvenient and frustrating. We are beginning a brand-new series about a man named Elisha whose entire life was interrupted when God placed a call on his life to become a prophet. His response showed incredible faith and willingness to leave everything behind.
Break the ice
When are you most likely to get interrupted?
Small group questions
Bible study questions
- When are times being interrupted can be a good thing?
- Read 1 Kings 19:19-21. In what circumstances was Elisha found? Is he who you would have expected to be the next prophet?
The Call of Elisha
19So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”
Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”
21So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.
- What stands out to you about Elisha’s response?
- Read Matthew 25:29. What does this verse teach us about how we live our lives?
29To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.
Application
- Do you feel like you are being faithful in the little things of life? What is going well? What needs improvement?
- Is there something God is calling you to do that requires a sacrifice? What is it?
- Jesus left everything behind for you. What have you left behind in following Him?
Moving forward
Sometimes we need a reminder that the way we spend our time matters. As a group, commit to memorizing Matthew 25:29. Let this verse remind you that we are all called to be faithful with what we have been given and that God rewards our faithfulness.
Going deeper
Elisha was certainly not the only person who had his life interrupted. There were many people in Scripture who God called out of their ordinary lives, left their lives behind, and sacrificed for Him. Today we will look at several of these people and learn from their responses.
Noah:
God came to Noah with a strange command that shifted life as he knew it. When many would have had questions and doubts, Noah simply obeyed. He obeyed even when the rest of the watching world would have thought he was out of his mind. He believed God would send a flood when there was no evidence that this flood was coming. Yet, his faith in God was unwavering.
- Read Genesis 6:9-22.
- In what way was Noah’s life interrupted?
- What was required for Noah to obey this command from God?
- What stands out to you about Noah’s response?
Abraham:
God interrupted Abraham’s life with instruction that completely changed His life. The calling required much sacrifice, but the promised reward was far greater than anything he would have to give up.
- Read Genesis 12:1-4.
- What did God call Abraham to sacrifice?
- What was the promise given to Abraham if he obeyed?
- What stands out about Abraham’s response?
Jesus’ Disciples:
Jesus’ call to His first disciples completely interrupted their lives. He came to them and issued the invitation of a lifetime without much detail. Then, they had to decide how they would respond to this invitation.
- Read Mark 1:16-20.
- What did Jesus call these disciples to do?
- What sacrifice was involved in the command Jesus gave?
- What stands out to you about the disciples’ response?
Reflect:
Noah, Abraham, and Jesus’ first disciples all needed faith to trust God when He gave commands with little detail that required sacrifices. They had faith that God was who he said He was and that His plan was better than their own. Hebrews 11:4 says, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”
- How did each of these men show faith in God when their lives were interrupted?
- How does faith play a vital role in God’s interruptions in our lives?
- What would it look like for you to respond to God’s call to you in faith? How can you take that step of faith this week?
After everyone has shared, pray together. Pray that God would give you all increased faith in His plan and the courage to follow His call no matter what.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
28And we know that God causes everything to work together[1] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Translation notes (1)
- 8:28 Some manuscripts read And we know that everything works together.
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