This is my first time reading through the Bible on my own. I thought I would take you guys with me on the rest of my journey. Come and be with me as I study. Let us discover things about God’s word for the first time together. I have made it all the way to 2 Kings! This is the farthest I have ever made it on my own. I am so excited and happy! Rejoice, for there is nothing that God can not do!
Let us pray before we continue on to 2 Kings 4. Dear Lord, thank you for this day that you have made for us. Thank you for my readers and subscribers. I pray that you bless us with your love and understanding as we study your word. Use me to reach those who are also needing encouragement to study your word. I pray also that you bless my readers and even those who have not read my passage with guidance. May those who need you, find you. Protect those that need protecting. In your name we pray. Amen.
Let us dive into 2 Kings 4. I really loved this chapter. I never knew about the similarities between Jesus and Elisha! God really shows how powerful he truly is in this passage. Elisha, the man of God, uses his power to help a widow. He also aids a Shunammite woman and feeds people during a famine! Does all of this sound familiar? I had no idea! First, let us talk about Elisha helping the widow keeps her son from slavery.
The chapter begins when Elisha met a woman whose husband had just died. She was left to handle their debt all on her own. The creditor would arrive the next day to collect her sons. He planned to settle their debt by selling her sons into slavery.
As a mother, this part made my heart sink. Just like the widow I would do anything to keep my children with me. When someone who is close to us dies suddenly, it can be hard to face all the debt they left behind. It’s a daunting task.
She must have been so desperate when she went to go speak with Elisha. Some of us have been there. So desperate that we have to sell off a piece of property or pawn off a wedding ring to pay bills. But the debt collector was coming for her sons! They are a part of her. No matter how big they get they are her babies. Let’s look at what Elisha said to her when she told him this news.
Elisha began by asking the widow what do you have in your house? I think we know where this is going. What he means is, what else do you have to give? Her only possession was a jar of oil. She did not answer with anything else. So I wonder if she had already sold what she could.
So, he told the widow to go and collect vessels to borrow from her neighbors (her community!). Not just more jars, but vessels. There is no telling how small or large the vessels were that she borrowed. So she borrowed the vessels, and stayed inside pouring out the oil until there was no more left. The next day, she went to the Man of God and he told her to go sell the oil. Sell the oil to pay off your debt, you and your sons will live off the rest.
Did you catch that? The widow was capable of paying off their debt, save her sons, and still have some oil left over! Amen! That is amazing! Can imagine what she could have done with what was left over? Comment below about how you feel about this blessing. What has God done for you recently, that you feel like sharing?
God takes care of us and never leaves us empty handed. The widow must have a really good community too. I have no idea how many vessels she filled. I do not know the size either. But all I can imagine everyone passing out any tubberware that they can spare. It is crucial to find your community. It is even more important to lean on one another during times of distress. Next, I want to jump to the famine in Gilgal. We should take a look at the community there. We will see how Elisha uses God’s power to bless them. Shalom.
Come as you are 