Nourishment and Empowerment: A Room for the Prophet

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:8-17 (CSB)

8 One day Elisha went to Shunem. A prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to eat some food. So whenever he passed by, he stopped there to eat. 9 Then she said to her husband, “I know that the one who often passes by here is a holy man of God, 10 let’s make a small room upstairs and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp there for him. Whenever he comes, he can stay there.” 11 One day he came there, stopped, and went to the room upstairs to lie down. 12 He ordered his servant Gehazi, “Call this Shunammite woman.” So he called her and she stood before him. 13 Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tell her, ‘Look, you went to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’” She answered, “I am living among my own people.” 14 So he asked, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” 15 “Call her,” Elisha said. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16 Elisha said, “At this time next year you will have a son in your arms.” Then she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, do not deceive your servant.” 17 The woman conceived and gave birth to a son at the same time the following year, as Elisha had promised her.

Observation:

A woman in Shunem, recognizing Elisha as a holy man of God, offers hospitality by providing a room for him. Elisha, in gratitude, desires to bless her. Learning she has no son, he prophesies the birth of a son, and it comes to pass as promised.

Application:

Recognizing and Honoring God's Servants: The Shunammite woman's observant heart recognized Elisha as a holy man of God. The application is to cultivate an awareness of God's servants around us, honoring and supporting them in their ministries.

Offering Hospitality and Service: The Shunammite woman's hospitality goes beyond providing a meal; she creates a dedicated space for Elisha. The application is to offer hospitality and service generously, creating spaces for God's work to flourish.

Trusting God's Promises: Despite initial disbelief, the Shunammite woman experiences the fulfillment of Elisha's promise. The application is to trust in God's promises, even when they seem unlikely or defy human understanding. God's timing and faithfulness surpass our expectations.

Prayer:

Gracious God, open our eyes to recognize and honor Your servants. May we offer hospitality and service generously, creating spaces for Your work to flourish. Strengthen our faith to trust in Your promises, even when they seem unlikely. In every season, may our lives reflect the love and generosity of Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.