2 Kings 4:1–7 ‘Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”’ (v2)
The first line of this story of Elisha’s performing God’s miracle for a widow and her children gives us a clue about the context.
The ‘company of prophets’ are the group of prophets who accompanied Elijah and Elisha and who lived by their own means while supporting these men.
The ancient historian Josephus names this widow’s husband as Obadiah, the man who saved a hundred prophets from being slain by King Ahab (1 Kings 18:3–4).
Because Obadiah borrowed money to care for these prophets in hiding, his widow is now destitute. She cries out to the man of God for help.
Note how Elisha matter-of-factly asks the widow what she needs, and what he can do for her.
This might remind us of how Jesus would ask people what they needed and what He could do for them, such as when He healed Bartimaeus of his blindness after saying, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ (Mark 10:46–52).
God loves to provide for His people, but He wants us to voice our needs and ask Him to meet them. Often only when we share our concerns or desires with God do we find the faith to believe that He will fulfil them.
Of course, God also wants to use us in response to the cries of people around the world. For instance, we can be part of God’s solution to help those who have less than we do.
Sharing from our resources can be a source of joy as we learn to give with abandon. We might not all have the opportunity to travel the world, but we can give something through our local church or other trusted organisation – whether it is time, talent, money or prayer.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, You care for those who hunger and thirst this day. Help me to look outside of my needs, and help me to be Your hands and feet to share Your love. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Commit to giving something today, whether time in prayer, money or through volunteering.
Scripture To Consider:
Ps. 84:10–11; Mal. 3:10–12; Matt. 6:31–33; Phil. 4:18–20
