2 Kings 4:38-44
Tuesday, 27 April 2021
“Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” -2 Kings 4:38
When the people of God had sunk into a great spiritual vacuum worshipping idols and indulging in many forms of wickedness, God raised up the two prophets-Elijah and Elisha. They turned the people take notice of Him who is powerful and active, having control over the forces of nature and who intervenes on behalf of His people. Anointed by Elijah to take on his role as a prophet in Israel, Elisha worked many miracles during his ministry.
We will look into the eighth miracle of Elisha that has both practical and spiritual lessons for us. Elisha’s example even in the midst of a difficult situation in the land is noteworthy.
Elisha’s Consistency
There was a famine in the land but Elisha went to Gilgal and was teaching the sons of prophets. It is God who sends sword, famine, wild beasts and plague (Eze.14:21) as a judgement against his people. However at a time like this Elisha did not sit around waiting for things to get better but went about doing his ministry. Likewise, we need to be ready to “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage…” (2Tim 4:2). The sons of prophets also did not wait for a better time to meet Elisha; they showed eagerness to come and sit at the feet of their master during a time of national disaster. We also need to be hungry for the Word just like Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus. Let us not wait for an opportune time when everything is settled and then take the time to turn to God and learn from him.
Elisha’s Concern
After giving them spiritual nourishment Elisha requested that they be fed a simple meal. Although it was a time of famine, Elisha cared not only for the spiritual needs of the company but desired to meet their physical need also. So also when we draw near to God he not only meets our spiritual needs but all other things that we need will be added to us (Matt 6:33).
Elisha’s Countermove
One of them went out to fetch some herbs and came back with some poisonous gourds and not knowing the danger, added to the stew and served it. On eating it they immediately realized that there was something poisonous in the stew. God often gives us an instinct that alerts us of the dangers around us both in the physical realm and the spiritual realm. 1Peter 5:8 says the enemy is “like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The prophets were alert and quickly sounded the alarm to their master and no one was harmed. We too are encouraged to be alert against the wiles of the enemy. Can there be a better place to sharpen our spiritual senses than at the feet of our master who can quicken our spirit and keep us alert?
The wild gourds looked seemingly harmless and nourishing but they weren’t. Watch out for those who go around in sheep’s clothing teaching a false gospel. Satan can imitate and transform into an “angel of light” and deceitful men could make themselves appear to be apostles of Christ (2Cor.11:13,14). 1 Thessalonians 5:21 teaches us to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Let us be like the Berean church who searched the scriptures to see if what they were taught was true.
Elisha quickly acted- he put some flour into the pot and it was made whole so that they could eat it safely. The flour is like the Word of God. The unadulterated pure Word of God is the greatest miracle of all. Not only did the Word become flesh and dwell among us to be our example and light but He also gave His very life to save us. When the Lord puts the Word into our souls He cleans, protects and saves us. Let us be eager to eat of the word of God and be nourished!
Prayer: Lord help us to seek you with all our hearts. Give us the pure milk of your word and nourish us. Quicken our spirits with your word and your presence that we might always discern what is right and hold on to the truth which alone can set us free.
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