THE GIFT OF A SON FOR A FAITHFUL WOMAN (2 KINGS 4:8-17) - PART 1

Dear Members in Christ,

The gift of a son for a faithful woman (2 Kings 4:8-17) - Part 1

There were many miracles which Elisha the prophet of God had done during his ministry. At a time when the nation was in its depth of spiritual depravity, God gave Elisha the power to do these miracles to authenticate his authority as a servant of God. Amongst these miracles, we find in 2 Kings 4:8-17 the account of the gift of a son for a Shunemite lady who was without a child. In this account we see the gracious hand of God in blessing those who honors God by faith, and those who exhibit their faith by willingness to do His will. This faithful lady who was without a child, was rewarded generously by the blessing of a son. The passage in 2 Kings 4 records,

“And he said, about this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.” 2 Kings 4:16, 17

A. A faithful follower recognizes the work of God’s servant

The account begins with the record of how Elisha ministered in the northern states of the nation of Israel. This is a woman of means, someone who is very likely to be rich and influential, noticed Elisha’s movement in the northern region of Israel.

“And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.”  2 Kings 4: 8,9

Commentators refer to Shunem as a town in the northern tribe of Issachar, situated at the foot of Mount Tabor. The fine lady speaks of Elisha as an “holy man of God”. We see that her faith is backed by good works, as she made arrangements to house the servant of God. After having spoken to her husband, the lady made accommodations ready for Elisha. She said, “Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.”   2 Kings 4:10

How wonderful a testimony of faith! At a time when unbelief and the idolatrous influence in Israel was at its height, here was a faithful believer who recognized a true servant of God. More than that, she wanted to be a part of this ministry. She knew that an “holy man of God,” will bring the blessings of God’s word to His people, and she was willingly to offer room and provision to the servant of God.

Beloved, let us love God in faith and deed, and not just in word. This Shunemite lady is a biblical example of one whose heart is inclined towards the work of God. Do you seek out ways you can help in the ministries of the church? Are there ways you can offer help that others may come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour? Let this be our zeal and devotion, just as the Shunemite lady was a willing helper. Not all of us may be called to be preachers, but one thing we can surely do, that is, lets seek ways on how we can be servants for the work of God.         

B. God rewards the faithful and willing heart

The prophet Elisha was a beneficiary of the hospitality of this Shunemite lady. The bible says, “it fell on that day” (2 Kings 4:11) that he calls for his servant Gehazi to enquire about the needs of the hospitable lady. This incident reveals the problem of the Shunemite lady, she was without child and her husband was very old. The phrase “it fell on that day” is an interesting introduction. It occurs three times in 2 Kings chapter 4 - we see the usage in verses 8, 11 and 18. The phrase seems to introduce an incidental event, but a faithful reader will see that nothing is accidental in God’s plan, and every event shows that God’s hand is at work. Elisha the servant of God declares to the lady,

“And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.” 2 Kings 4:16,17

God had blessed the Shunemite lady for her act of faith. Her faith was such that it is translated into good works of generosity and hospitality for God’s prophet. Beloved, let us learn from the example of God’s gracious hand upon His faithful children. We know that God does not withhold blessings from those who do His will. The example of the lady described as “great woman” should stir us to seek ways we can help to advance God’s work. Her service in hospitality was a testimony of her faith. Brothers and sisters, for some time now, we have been calling for willing hands and willing hearts to serve in the Sunday School and in the transport ministry. Is there someone in our midst who is willing to set aside room in their hearts for the work of God? Let us be encouraged to serve and to glorify our God. Amen.

In Christ,
Dn. Lim Seh Beng