Man and Woman of God

In 2 Kings 4 we find ‘the man of God’

Elisha involved in a number of human life situations that would have tested his own faith and understanding, and has parallels with 1 Kings 17 and the actions of Elijah. The prophet Elijah was involved with seven miracles and Elisha eleven.

Oil

In verses 1 – 7, we find Elisha listening to the complaints of a woman who had lost her husband, who had been one of the brothers included in Elisha’s circle of followers. As a result of his death she was in debt and her children threatened with the possibility of being taken into slavery. Elisha instructed the woman and her sons to collect as many pots as possible and pour oil into them from her existing jar of oil until there was no oil left. Once the pots had been filled the woman was told to sell the oil which would cover all her debts and they would have enough money to meet her ongoing needs.

Kindness

From verses 8 – 37, we read about the kindness and distress of another woman who came from Shunem and saw Elisha as ‘a man of God’ who was in need of refreshment and shelter when travelling to Shunem. As a result of her kindness Elisha asked if he could reciprocate such kindness in any way. The woman had long wanted to have a son but with having an elderly husband thought that would not be possible. Elisha’s responded by prophesying that she would bear a son within a year which was fulfilled to their delight.

Tragedy

In verse 18, the young son visited his father at work and complained that he was not well and then shortly afterwards suddenly died. The mother took the child and laid him on the man of God’s bed, which he used when staying in her home. Not satisfied with the outcome she went in search of Elisha travelling to the region near Mount Carmel.

Restoration

Elisha saw the woman approaching and wondered if all was well within the family. In conversation the woman replied yes all was well! However, she could not contain her frustration and asked Elisha why she had been able to have a son only for him to be taken from her. After further discussion Elisha returned to the home where the child was and in an unusual manner raised the child back to life. The woman’s response was to bow humbly in thanksgiving for the two miracles she had witnessed.

Poison

In verses 38 – 41, we find Elisha’s brotherhood of prophets having a meal that consisted of soup. When they tasted the soup they complained that there was ‘death in it’ and asked Elisha for help. Elisha added some ‘meal’ into the soup which made it harmless and edible once again.

First fruits

After the miracles of the oil and the son we find in verses 42 – 44 a reference to another miracle that the man of God was involved in. A man from Baal-shalishah brought Elisha a gift of twenty barley loaves and fresh ears of grain that was an offering from the first-fruit of his harvest. Elisha immediately instructed that the offering should be shared and given to the band of prophets living with him.

Interestingly Elisha’s servant Gehazi replied indignantly. How can I serve the twenty loaves to a hundred men? Elisha confirmed his desire to give the bread for the people to eat because the Lord had said that they will eat and have some left over. So Gehazi shared the bread and the men ate and there was plenty left over as the Lord had promised.

The Lord’s enough

In this chapter we find that there are life situations that we may all experience at some time. There are a number of complaints registered and specific instructions given from Elisha which result in various miracles. This proves the point that as we trust in the Lord, he is and can be enough for us when we are faced with life’s complaints and circumstances.

Personal rating

Consider for a moment how would you rate yourself as a man or woman of God, on a scale of 1- 10 with 1 being the lowest? …………………………..

We have referenced a number of concerns that the people brought to Elisha. I wonder what complaints you would bring to the Lord which are holding you back in becoming a better man or woman of God.

In the New Testament we read of the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14 v 13 -21) and the four thousand. (Matthew 15 v 32 – 39) God can use the gifts that we offer, whilst patiently waiting for the miraculous hand of God to enlarge them for his glory and the benefit of many around us.

Question  Today the Lord says: man and woman of God do you trust me?

Answer  Our initial reply is, yes Lord I do.

The Lord comes back to us again and says man and woman of God do you trust me enough.

This we find hard. So the Lord asks: what are your complaints, am I not able to work in and through them. The Lords asks again man and woman of God do you trust me?

Man and woman of God do you trust me enough to provide in regards to all your complaints.

Man and woman of God do you trust me, do you trust me enough! Yes Lord we respond, with your help.

Selah

Graham

Ps Just after completing this Insight I travelled past St Peter’s chaplaincy near to Manchester University and saw this amazing statement reminding us all, that with the Lord we ‘have and are enough.’