2 Kings 4 would focus on three tales of Elisha, moving briefly away from the kings of Judah and Israel. These three narratives would focus on a maidservant, a prominent woman, and a poisonous stew. Recognize that the emphasis is not on Elisha, but rather the power of God on Him. The first involves a woman who fears the Lord. She was part of a wives club and her husband deeply followed God. (vv.1-2) However, they had creditors for a debt the incurred and she asked Elisha for help so that she wouldn’t lose her two sons. From first glance, the family seems to be in poverty versus being bad stewards. Elisha helps by providing an overabundance of oil for her to use and sell. (vv.3-7) Secondly, there came a prominent woman who built a chamber for Elisha. He would grow accustomed to staying at this place whenever he would come by. Due to his desire to show gratitude he would bless her and old husband with a baby boy. (vv.14-17) However, the child suffers some sort of head ailment (e.g. fever) and dies. (v.20) The wife inquires of Elisha yet again, he answers and the child saved. (vv.21-37) I laughed a bit when reading that the child was sneezed on seven times. Whatever the case, God has a sense of humor. Last but not least is the story of a poisonous stew that was made by sons of prophets during a gathering. Unfortunately, due to a famine they had to cook some wild gourds which poisoned the group. Elisha pulled off another stunt and the pot was healed of the poison. (vv.38-41) A following incident involved a man named Baalshalishah who had fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and grains in his sack. However, because of the family it was not enough to feed a hundred men. Well, Elisha yet again, through the Lord was able to miraculously provide for all one hundred men and have leftover. (vv.42-44) These three stories are unique, but all show a common trait of God; His sustenance. In the first account He sustains a family’s monetary need, the second, he sustains a family’s legacy and heals the same child, and last, he sustains the prophets and a hundred men’s health. God doesn’t do magic, He’s brings His glory down to us. All these examples show the efficacious mercy of God and the faithfulness of man. Just ask. #godlylegacy “What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence! With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. If God cares for you, why need you care too? Can you trust Him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, He has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.” -Spurgeon
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 12:29:50 +0000
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