Today’s Reading:
2 Kings 4:18-36
“Now when she came to the man of God at the hill, she caught him by the feet, but Gehazi came near to push her away. But the man of God said, “Let her alone; for her soul is in deep distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me.” (v. 27 NKJV)
Recall the Shunammite woman was the one who accorded Elisha hospitality when she discovered that he was a man of God. She did not want her hopes raised, and then be disappointed later (v. 16b). But the prophecy of the prophet was fulfilled the following year when she gave birth to a son. The boy grew up but suddenly, he was stroked with an ailment that caused severe headaches which led to his death (vv. 18-20) She was broken and laid him on Elisha’s bed and went to meet him at Mount Carmel (vv. 21-22).
Caught hold of his feet (v. 27). This is the sign of deep respect accorded to Jesus (Matt. 28:9; Luke 8:41, 47; Rev. 1:17) in his presence, or when requesting for help and is also accorded men of God in the Old Testament days. With this respect and supplication, she poured out her heart to Elisha (v. 27). By the loss of her son, she was humiliated, and this removed all the joy she felt at his promised birth and seemed to make that birth a cruel deception (v. 28). I pray for you that sadness will not meet with your joy, in Jesus name. Let her alone; for her soul is in deep distress, something is deeply troubling her and the Lord did not tell me what it is (v. 27).
Lessons that could be learnt from this account:
Desperation made the woman travel a long distance from Shunammite to Carmel with speed. She took the risk of locking the child in Elisha’s room. At times when we walk with God, we need to take risks.
When Elisha saw her from afar and sent Gehazi to ask what the matter was, she refused to deal with the servant, until she clung to Elisha’s feet. At times of serious needs, or at the crossroad, no matter the situation, we should take all to God in prayers, in the name of Jesus. We are not to be lamenting and discussing the problem with anyone who cares to listen. We are the children of God and joint heirs with the Son. God longs for us to have a deep, cordial relationship with Him.
She was not content with Gehazi reviving her son. She said she would not leave unless Elisha followed her (v. 30). Gehazi who was sent with instructions could not revive the child. It is necessary for us to deal directly with God. We are to boldly but humbly approach the throne of mercy and make our petitions known to God.
The woman had faith and her faith moved her to action. She did not believe God that gave her the child would take him from her.
She was persistent in her strong belief that God can do something positive. When we walk with God, we must believe He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. We must ask until our joy is full. If she had given up, the miracle of bringing back her child to life would not have happened.
In the moment of her humiliation, she did not curse anyone, she did not blame God for what had happened. She kept telling all, that it is well! She did not panic, she was focused and calm. She did not even allow people to gather around the child. Keeping a positive mind.
It may not be all that easy in situations like this, but we should remember the first thing is to hand the situation to the Holy Spirit to direct us and teach us what to do. All things are possible with God when we allow him to work his marvellous design in our lives and situations.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high (strong) tower.
Father forgive me where, in pressing situations, I have not exercised enough patience and faith in You, in Jesus' name.
Father, create in me a Pure heart, renew a right, humble and teachable spirit within me, in Jesus' name.
My Father, let me daily see You clearly, love You more dearly, and follow You more nearly, in Jesus' name.
Let the blood of Jesus cleanse every spiritual clog, every spiritual cataract from my eyes and remove every spiritual wax from my ears, in Jesus' name.
Lord increase my faith in You and cause me to be able to put my faith into action, in Jesus' name.
Lord visit every Christian home with your mercy and wake the father and mother from their spiritual slumber to their divine responsibility, in Jesus' name.
Lord unite the body of Christ in Your love, that they may harmoniously proclaim the Gospel to all nations, in Jesus' name.
Lord, take control of the minds of our leaders, that they may have the fear of You in all that they do, and move the nation forward, in Jesus' name Amen
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