Elisha returned to Gilgal, and a famine was in the land, (2 Kings 4:38 GNV). The famine affected the righteous and the unrighteous. When God enacts His judgment upon a land, all are affected. The “sons of the prophets” dwelt with Elisha, as he was their instructor. Hunger filled the little school for prophets. Perhaps even a hunger greater than just that of food, for the land was filled with idolatry and false ideologies. The people of Israel had turned their backs on God in search of other ideas. Those who still believed had allowed their faith to be corrupted by false ideologies that “sounded good to the human heart.” Sounds so much like America today with a watered-down faith to appease the crowds. There is a spiritual famine spreading across our land. 2 Kings 4:38-44 speaks to us of facing the spiritual famine as well as the financial famine.
Financially, I face moments of famine. Despite my prayers for financial wisdom, I find myself often pressed against a rock. So often I have found myself in moments of health crisis that took whatever was saved or other moments when I have financially stepped in to help either a stranger or family member in need. Then, I look at the balance and wonder how the needs will be met. Sometimes, I try to say that I need not tithe because I already have through all those I helped. But alas, that is not how it works. Look at what happens in this story from 2 Kings, compare it with Christ feeding the multitude with 5 loaves and two little fishes. Whether facing a spiritual famine or a financial one, God can accomplish great and mighty things when we are willing to surrender our all.
Spiritual Famine-A poisonous pot of soup
The student prophets were famished. Elisha told his servant to make a huge pot of soup. So, they went out to gather wild herbs and found gourds which they filled the pot with. When the soup was served, it was bitter and the students cried, “O thou man of God, death is in the pot: and they could not eat thereof (2 Kings 4: 40 GNV). Elisha then threw meal into the pot and it was transformed into a nourishing broth that satisfied their hunger.
Into our churches has entered so many false ideologies, penetrating deep through throughout. Ideas that social media, television, our school systems, and news medias have pushed. This wave of spiritual famine began with the secular humanists in the early 1900s for the US; however, it is the same wave of false ideologies that invaded the world since the serpent deceived Adam and Eve. A poisonous soup of ideas that mankind creates to go against the truth of the God’s Word.
We must, like Elisha, sprinkle the truth of the gospel message to transform the soup into that which is nourishing to the soul.
Financial Famine
Then there came a man bringing of his first fruits, bread and corn to provide for Elisha’s needs. Ah, but Elisha immediately told his servants to feed the students in his midst. Immediately, they protested that it was not enough to feed so many; but, Elisha said, Give it unto the people, that they may eat: for thus saith the Lord, They shall eat, and there shall remain. (2 Kings 4:43). They did and there was more than enough left over.
There are times when I have noted the amount, I need to make it to the next check would be exactly my tithe. After all the people I helped, wouldn’t that be ok with God? Didn’t I already tithe as noted in Deuteronomy 26:12-16 by helping the widow, the fatherless, and the stranger? Well, yes, I am to do that. However, I must also give to the Levites (the church in our day). So, I have found, that if I remain faithful to that, what is left stretches to meet the needs. Miraculously at times; but God has always been faithful.
Whatever Famine You Face, God is Faithful
If it be a spiritual famine you face, turn to His word. Study it morning and night. He will fill your heart with peace. Pray for our land that hearts may be opened to the truth. Be ready at all times to proclaim the truth of the gospel without fear. Trust God with the little you have, and He will do mighty things. If your famine in financial, again, trust God. Ask Him for the wisdom you need. Lay aside all selfish desires or those ideas that you “deserve” more. Place Him first and then watch what He can do with the rest.
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:
Is Love Really Worth the Heartbreak?
Are you Really Seeking God in All You Do?
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
Photo by Michal Průcha on Unsplash
(GNV) Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.