HAGGAI in the CONTEXT of IMMANUEL, “God With Us” WOW, Spring 2021 SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION Week #3, 2 Chronicles 26:1, 15—21a and Isaiah 6:1—8 KEY VERSE: Isaiah 6:3 ...”Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Pray as you begin your study at home or in your small group (over the phone or other “virtual” gathering with a few or even just one WOW sister during these weird days Covid). 1. For perspective on this lesson, think about a time you felt “overwhelmed” in a service of worship with both your sense of unworthiness in the presence of God’s love and, at the same time, a sense of joy for the Savior and your salvation. Recall, if possible, the Scripture or singing or......what that led you to this unexpected experience. Read this week’s passage SLOWLY, and THOUGHTFULLY. OBSERVATION of what the passage says and how the passage says it (details, repetitions, conjunctions…) 2 Chronicles 26:1 and 15--20 1. Note the name and age of a new King for which country in the first verse of the chapter. How does verse 15 describe this King and his accomplishments? 2. Discuss verses 16—20, including both the attitudes and actions of the characters giving great attention to details in this passage concerning Uzziah’s “downfall”. 2 Chronicles 26:21 and Isaiah 6:1—8 3. Contrast and compare the situation described in 26:21 with the passage in Isaiah. Look for “opposites” like the pride that led to Uzziah’s downfall and Isaiah’s first reaction to the surprising vision he had. INTERPRETATION—working to understand the passage in its own context, “there and then” means the reign of King Uzziah of Judah (792—740 BC). The first years of Uzziah’s reign began when his father, Amaziah was captured in battle by King Joash of Israel who also ransacked Jerusalem and pillaged the temple of gold and silver items. Amaziah was captured and kept in Samaria for more than a decade, during which time his son Uzziah took the throne. 2 Chronicles 26:1 and 15--20 4. In terms of Uzziah’s 52 years as King of Judah, how does the text summarize the genesis of his “downfall”(v.16)? 5. What was wrong with Uzziah’s behavior that was “unfaithful to the LORD his God” (v.16)? 2 Chronicles 26:21 and Isaiah 6:1—8 6. From the description of Uzziah’s last years of life (v.21), how was this the opposite of what Uzziah hoped to gain through his presumptive behavior in the temple? 7. Summarize how Isaiah’s experience in the temple contrasts with the Uzziah story. APPLICATION: your response as a disciple of Jesus in the “here and now” of your life, congregation, community, and world. 2 Chronicles 26:1, 15—21 and Isaiah 6:1—8 8. What is one “take-away” from these passages that you will do, or not do, work on more, confess, or understand better and both a warning and an encouragement for your own life of discipleship? .