One day I attended a meeting of believers. The facilitator of the meeting made several introductions being careful to give each person's title and a brief remark about how she knew the person. When she came to this one particular person she inadvertently did not mention the woman's title. Upon hearing the introduction this person's friend was offended. This person is a reverend she said loudly. I've also been present when a pompous person has declared their own title to make sure that he received special recognition. In this day of superstar preachers, evangelists, apostles, and song leaders, Elisha deserves to be studied.
We can contrast this asking and thinking one deserves special privileges with Elisha. The custom of Elisha's day was for travelers to stay in private homes. The hotel industry had not started. Therefore when strangers came into town and needed to have a place to sleep the townspeople would invite them into their homes. They would let them bunk on the floor in a room of the house. All of the travelers slept in one room.
Now think of this. Here is Elisha. He's seen the Jordan open twice. In fact one of the times he commanded the Jordan to open. He's seen Elijah go up in a fiery chariot. He's instructed the widow woman in how to have an economic recovery. He's told people how to solve their town's environmental problems with a salt recovery plan. Elisha instructed kings on military affairs by telling them God's battle strategy. So why is Elisha sleeping on the floor in a crowded room with a bunch of strangers?
Elisha was a humble man. He does not send his servant to announce the great Elisha is here. The Man of God is here make way, make way. Why doesn't he insist that the owners give him a separate room? In fact Elisha does this sleeping on the floor thing again and again. Elisha does this because he is at rest in God. Elisha does not covet the people's possessions. He's not trying to make a name for himself. He is satisfied with what God has given him at the time. He did not try to exalt himself.
The Shunamite woman perceived there was something different about Elisha. Was it his graciousness in an uncomfortable crowded place? Was it his saying thank you for small favors or to the hosts while the other people just got up and left in the morning? Did he help a small child who was trying to put on his sandals? Or did he hold a baby for a weary mother allowing her to go for a walk. The Shunamite woman perceived that he was a holy man of God. Noticing that he was a regular through her country she and her husband went to unusual lengths to provide for him. Remember there was no television or newspapers for them to read or see who the prophet was or what he looked like.
They had the architect draw up plans, hired a contractor, and lived through a messy construction project. They furnished a room for Elisha. Perception is something that God gives us. When we use it correctly we can hear God's voice and do His will.
Elisha had a busy life. First God let this woman see that Elisha was a man of God. Then God dropped in her spirit that Elisha needed a sanctified place for his sanctified life. Elisha was provided for by this woman and her husband. Elisha did not have to pull rank, finagle, suggest, and pull out his resume to get this blessing either. Elisha humbly went about his business. He did not demand anything. His holy life spoke for itself. Is there a lesson in this for me first, and then for you? When we have God's approval we will have all we need.
No Good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.
We can contrast this asking and thinking one deserves special privileges with Elisha. The custom of Elisha's day was for travelers to stay in private homes. The hotel industry had not started. Therefore when strangers came into town and needed to have a place to sleep the townspeople would invite them into their homes. They would let them bunk on the floor in a room of the house. All of the travelers slept in one room.
Now think of this. Here is Elisha. He's seen the Jordan open twice. In fact one of the times he commanded the Jordan to open. He's seen Elijah go up in a fiery chariot. He's instructed the widow woman in how to have an economic recovery. He's told people how to solve their town's environmental problems with a salt recovery plan. Elisha instructed kings on military affairs by telling them God's battle strategy. So why is Elisha sleeping on the floor in a crowded room with a bunch of strangers?
Elisha was a humble man. He does not send his servant to announce the great Elisha is here. The Man of God is here make way, make way. Why doesn't he insist that the owners give him a separate room? In fact Elisha does this sleeping on the floor thing again and again. Elisha does this because he is at rest in God. Elisha does not covet the people's possessions. He's not trying to make a name for himself. He is satisfied with what God has given him at the time. He did not try to exalt himself.
The Shunamite woman perceived there was something different about Elisha. Was it his graciousness in an uncomfortable crowded place? Was it his saying thank you for small favors or to the hosts while the other people just got up and left in the morning? Did he help a small child who was trying to put on his sandals? Or did he hold a baby for a weary mother allowing her to go for a walk. The Shunamite woman perceived that he was a holy man of God. Noticing that he was a regular through her country she and her husband went to unusual lengths to provide for him. Remember there was no television or newspapers for them to read or see who the prophet was or what he looked like.
They had the architect draw up plans, hired a contractor, and lived through a messy construction project. They furnished a room for Elisha. Perception is something that God gives us. When we use it correctly we can hear God's voice and do His will.
Elisha had a busy life. First God let this woman see that Elisha was a man of God. Then God dropped in her spirit that Elisha needed a sanctified place for his sanctified life. Elisha was provided for by this woman and her husband. Elisha did not have to pull rank, finagle, suggest, and pull out his resume to get this blessing either. Elisha humbly went about his business. He did not demand anything. His holy life spoke for itself. Is there a lesson in this for me first, and then for you? When we have God's approval we will have all we need.
No Good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.
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