2 Kings 4:1-7
Today’s Passage: 2 Kings 4:1-7
This widowed woman came to Elisha crying because of the predicament she was in. They were unable to pay their debts and a creditor was coming to take her sons as indentured servants.
With her husband dead, and this being a patriarchal society, the woman was most likely now dependent on her sons to make a living for her. She was heartbroken and hopeless.
Elisha responds with two questions: “What shall I do for you?” And “What have you in the house?” In these questions, Elisha challenges the woman to look for what God has already given her.
When she comes back with the small jar of oil (probably a small anointing flask), Elisha tells her to gather vessels from her neighbors and to fill them with the oil.
When he tells her to gather “not too few” vessels, Elisha is telling her to expect God to provide for her in a great way!
God filled every vessel that was brought to the woman, and as soon as they were filled the oil stopped. Elisha instructed them to sell the oil to pay their debts and to live off in the future.
This woman and her sons were ultimately freed from their debt due to God’s miraculous provision. They were given hope and a future because they trusted and obeyed God’s word. Though their freedom was provided by God and God alone, it required that they exercised faith.
With every vessel gathered, the woman trusted that God would fill its emptiness.
What impossible situation do you find yourself in? What has God given you? How are you living in faith, actively exercising your trust in the Lord?
Written By: Paulette Carwile
This widowed woman came to Elisha crying because of the predicament she was in. They were unable to pay their debts and a creditor was coming to take her sons as indentured servants.
With her husband dead, and this being a patriarchal society, the woman was most likely now dependent on her sons to make a living for her. She was heartbroken and hopeless.
Elisha responds with two questions: “What shall I do for you?” And “What have you in the house?” In these questions, Elisha challenges the woman to look for what God has already given her.
When she comes back with the small jar of oil (probably a small anointing flask), Elisha tells her to gather vessels from her neighbors and to fill them with the oil.
When he tells her to gather “not too few” vessels, Elisha is telling her to expect God to provide for her in a great way!
God filled every vessel that was brought to the woman, and as soon as they were filled the oil stopped. Elisha instructed them to sell the oil to pay their debts and to live off in the future.
This woman and her sons were ultimately freed from their debt due to God’s miraculous provision. They were given hope and a future because they trusted and obeyed God’s word. Though their freedom was provided by God and God alone, it required that they exercised faith.
With every vessel gathered, the woman trusted that God would fill its emptiness.
What impossible situation do you find yourself in? What has God given you? How are you living in faith, actively exercising your trust in the Lord?
Written By: Paulette Carwile
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