Word for the day by Christian education forum

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The Hospitality and Faith of a Godly Mother

Bible Reading:  2 Kings 4:8-19

Key Verse:  .. “Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you?... (2 Kings 4:13a)


DEVOTION

During the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36), Elijah appeared with Moses, underscoring his significance as the zealous prophet for the only true God, YHWEH, the God of Israel. God chose Prophet Elisha as his successor, granting him a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9-14), manifested in 16 miracles, compared to Elijah’s eight miracles.
The devotional passage (1 Kings 4:8-17) describes Elisha’s sixth miracle, the birth of a son to a wealthy, barren woman and her old husband. It also introduces Gehazi as the servant of Elisha—similar to Elisha serving Elijah—who played a key role in the miracle and Elisha’s ministry. The woman lived in Shunem—in the territory of Issachar, in the Northern Kingdom of Israel—and became a gracious host of Elisha and Gehazi. The Shunammite woman recognized Elisha as a "holy man of God" (2 Kings 4:9), and persuaded her husband to construct an upper room for Elisha to stay as he passed through Shunem. Elisha was grateful for her kindness, and sought to bless her, though the woman was reluctant to ask for anything. When Elisha learned through Gehazi that the woman was childless and her husband old, he prophesied that she will embrace a son by the following year (2 Kings 4:16), which was fulfilled (2 Kings 4:17).
The text following the devotional passage depicts the grown child falling ill suddenly and dying, but the woman responding to the tragedy with faith and confidence (2 Kings 4:18-37). She laid her son on Elisha’s bed and left to meet the prophet, without disclosing the child's death to anyone, including her husband. When the woman found Elisha at Mount Carmel, she fell at his feet, beseeching him to go home with her. Elisha responded compassionately, sending Gehazi ahead with his staff to lay on the boy's face, though the child did not awaken. When Elisha arrived at the house, he prayed to the LORD and stretched himself out on the child, resurrecting the child.
Later, Elisha warned the woman of an impending seven-year famine, advising her to leave the land temporarily (2 Kings 8:1-6). She heeded the warning and lived in the land of the Philistines for seven years. When she returned, the woman appealed to the King to restore her house and land. Providentially, Gehazi was recounting her story to the King at the time, as an example of the great things Elisha had done. The King was touched by the miracle of the son's resurrection, and restored her property and the produce of the field during her absence.
The Shunammite woman exemplifies the hospitality and faith of a godly mother. Her spontaneous hospitality to Elisha and Gehazi reflects her reverence for God and His prophet. Who is the Elisha that God has brought before you? Are you giving cups of cold water to the little disciples of Jesus (Matthew 10:42)?
The women’s quiet confidence in God through His prophet Elisha, amidst the unspeakable tragedy of the sudden death of her only son, as revealed by her “all is well” testimony, is exceptional. Who is the Elisha that you can lean on, as you face pain and suffering? Is Christ your firm foundation, the Rock?


PRAYER

Help us O LORD to be Hospitable and Kind to Others. Anchored in Faith. Always.. Amen.


Thought for the day

What God gives, only He can take away. But He can make a way, when there is no way!
                                                        
Dr. Cherian Samuel
Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Virginia

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