Read: 2
Kings 4
2 Kings 4 begins a series of stories about the
prophet Elisha. These stories are related in two groups. The first group
(4:1-6:7) shows Elisha ministering to individuals. The second grouping
(6:8-8:15) shows Elisha ministering to the leaders in international affairs.
Nobody’s entire life can be contained in one book. It is probable that Elisha
ministered in many circumstances not recorded in the Bible. However, the Holy
Spirit chose to permanently record certain stories for a purpose. One such
purpose is to show that God relates to people on a heart level. For example,
His ministry is not effected by our gender or socioeconomic status. The first
two stories in this passage illustrate this well. Elisha ministers to a poor
widow and a rich married woman. At the time, women and men were not treated as
equals in society. Women were dependent on the men in their lives for survival.
Here, God tries to correct mankind’s imbalances by showing particular
compassion to women. Because he was a man of God, Elisha viewed people with
God’s eyes. Society’s labels did not alter how Elisha treated people. When the
widow approached Elisha, his response was not to be bothered. Surely many would
have “more important” things to do than help a lowly widow. Elisha, operating
out of a heart of compassion, responded, “How can help you?” He lived to treat
people as God treats people. Likewise, Elisha did not disdain the rich while
elevating the poor. He humbly received hospitality from the Shunnamite woman
and blessed her in her time of pain. Elisha performed a miracle that echoed his
mentor, Elijah, to help this woman (1 Kings 17:7-24).
The second two stories in this section tell of
God’s miraculous provision for His followers. In the first, Elisha is with a
company of prophets in Gilgal. A famine is ravaging the region. One of the
company unwittingly prepares a stew with poisonous gourds. God, through Elisha,
heals the stew, allowing the prophets to eat. Next, we see God work through
Elisha to multiply a small amount of food to feed one hundred men. This miracle
foreshadows Jesus multiplying the fish and loaves (Matthew 14:13-21, 15:32-39).
As Jesus’ followers were breaking the bread, they surely remembered the prior
work of Elisha. They must have thought, “Who is this man, that he can perform
miracles fifty times greater than the prophets of our forefathers?” We must
remember that the miracles in Scripture, be they performed through Elijah,
Elisha or Jesus, occurred only through the power of God Himself. When we long
to see miracles and breakthrough in our own lives, we must remember that they
will not come by our strength, nor by our power, but by God’s Spirit (Zech
4:6).
Prayer and
Journaling
1. History remembers Elisha as compassionate to all
people, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, age, or marital status. If
someone were to write a book based on your life, what would you be remembered
for? Do these things reflect a life that
is being transformed by Jesus? Ask the
Holy Spirit to bring clarity to you on these things.
2. Ask God to show you one act of compassion you
can do today and one you can do over the next week. Commit to following through
on whatever He shows you.
3. Miracles and breakthroughs come by God’s power
alone. Think of one miracle you need personally, one needed for a friend or
family member, and one needed for the church. Release these needs to God
through prayer, acknowledging that only He can move mountains, and pray for
these miracles to happen!
