Elisha traveled about Israel as God’s spokesman. During that travel he passed by a town named Shunem. One day as he was passing through, a woman of that town invited him to eat bread. And so, it was, that every time he passed through Shunem, he stopped at her house to eat. Hers was an act of kindness to this prophet; but it was also for her a means of seeking God. Surely, she had heard of Elisha and his predecessor Elijah. It was a time in Israel where many false teachers and phony ideologies were running rampant. There was no bible she could turn to. No means of directly seeking God; except, to go to the temple. However, many of the priests were themselves corrupted, seeking their own gain rather than being true spokesmen for God. But Elisha had come to town and she was hungry for God’s word.
If you recall from 2 Kings 2, Elisha was not always met with such kindness as he neared cities in Israel. Many did not want to hear the truth of God’s word. Yet, here was a woman who was seeking God’s word. After listening to Elisha speak, she proposed to her husband that they build a room onto their house for Elisha to have a place to stay whenever he came to town, furnished with a table, a candlestick, a stool and a bed. She did this because she perceived that this is a holy man of God which passeth by us continually (2 Kings 4:9). Indeed, in her own humble way, she was seeking God’s word and presence in her household. Her act of kindness to God’s prophet, as if she were doing so for God.
Seeking God with a True heart
Hers was a heart of gratitude toward God for all He had provided for her. She was not seeking God for any gift from Him. Contented with her life, she did not even consider asking for a child, though her womb was barren. A barren womb in that time was considered a curse from God; yet, she had grown very contented with her life. We know this because Elisha wanted to repay her kindness by offering her a gift from God; but she declined saying she had all she needed. When he realized she had no child, he called to her and told her that within a year she would have a child. She was overwhelmed for her response was: “Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid (2 Kings 4:16)
She had not been seeking a gift from God. Instead, she was merely seeking God’s word and presence in her life. Grateful for what she had, she was seeking God Alone through her acts of kindness to God’s Spokesman.
Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:25,33).
Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalm 37:4).
Are you delighted in the Lord, seeking God and His presence above all else? Then He will provide for you the true desire of your heart, for He knows how to give you His Joy, even if you don’t know what that might be.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Post in This Series:
Do You Believe God is Your Provider?
What Can One God Fearing Man Do?
What Happens When We Fail to Teach Our Children?
How to Revive Barren Lands with Living Waters
Who will Carry the Torch for God Against Evil?
What if God’s Work Leaves You Alone and Depressed?
Can You See The Army of God Surrounding You?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnote and Credits
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