God’s Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Success STUDY 2: Go, Borrow Vessels
Introduction:
Today, we'll dive deep into the narrative of the widow from 2 Kings 4:1-7. This account sheds light on the proactive nature God often asks of us, even when anticipating a miracle. Let's draw parallels between the widow's actions and other Scriptural truths.
Read Scripture:
2 Kings 4:1-7 (NKJV)
Proposition One: Go!
God's miracles often demand a participative action from our end. This is evident in the story of the widow and is reminiscent of Moses' call at the Red Sea in Exodus 14:16, "Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it."
Discussion Questions:
What similarities can we draw between the widow's and Moses' call to action?
How does James 2:17, "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead", resonate with the widow's story?
Can you think of a time when you felt God calling you to take the first step?
Proposition Two: Borrow vessels from everywhere
The involvement of the community is a recurring theme in Scripture. Just as the early church in Acts 2:44-45 shared everything they had, the widow's borrowing shows the power of community in God's plan.
Discussion Questions:
How does the widow's task of borrowing vessels compare to the early church's sharing?
How does Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another", illustrate the importance of community in our faith journey?
How can we foster a deeper sense of community in our present setting?
Proposition Three: Value in empty vessels
God's emphasis on empty vessels mirrors Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." It's a potent reminder of God's transformative power.
Discussion Questions:
How does the Beatitudes' focus on humility and spiritual emptiness correlate with the concept of empty jars?
Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 4:7, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us", how does it redefine our understanding of the widow's jars?
Who around you seems like an 'empty vessel' waiting for God's filling, and how can you help?
Action Steps:
Meditate on Exodus 14:16 and identify areas where God is asking for your active participation.
Reflect on Acts 2:44-45 and brainstorm ways to promote community sharing and involvement in your context.
Ponder over Matthew 5:3 and 2 Corinthians 4:7 and recognize the 'empty vessels' in your life ready for God's touch.
Prayer Points:
Pray for discernment and courage, reflecting Moses' trust in Exodus 14:16.
Pray for unity and sharing, inspired by the early church in Acts.
Pray for humility and transformation, echoing the teachings of Jesus and Paul's letters.
Close:
May we always remember God's desire for our active faith, the beauty of community, and the treasures He places in our earthen vessels. Let's remain ready, willing, and expectant of God's transformative work in and through us. Amen.