In the Ministry of Prophet Elisha two noticeable miracles are recorded in our reading portion today and both deal with troubles in the lives of two women. In many of his miracles we can see the touch of charity which is also visible in the ministry of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In this portion, one woman is a widow who is in a real trouble and the other is sufficiently wealthy but was barren with a heart longing for a child.

In two different contexts—one woman is the widow and other is the notable woman of Shunem (v.8) both are standing before the Prophet and he asks them similar questions - How can I help you?  In Jesus’ ministry also, we see that with compassion He asked several people: "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51) The situation of the widow is very tough; her husband had passed away and his creditor was after her to take her two boys as his slaves. She had lost her husband and now she is going to lose her two sons too. She approached the prophet because her husband was a disciple of the Prophet; also, he feared the LORD (v.1). After hearing her cries, he asks: Tell me, what do you have in your house? (v.2); she answers- Nothing there at all… except a small jar of olive oil. In her current situation she didn’t have anything to hide— the only thing left was that little oil. God multiplied that same little oil!-With which she could save her sons from the creditor. Many a time we see God use the little we have in our hands!- but a wilful submission and obedience is required to fulfil His master plan with that little!

What we see here is, faithfulness rewarded. The first woman’s husband had been a faithful disciple of the Prophet; the second woman had faithfully hosted the Prophet whenever he passed by- her hospitality was commendable. God fully rewards that kind approach- faithfulness without expecting a reward; without any delay she received the promise from the Lord and it was fulfilled in time (vs.16-17).  The word of God teaches us about faithful service- “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'” (Luke 17:10)

Throughout the word of God, we can see many, who were not so well-known or significant, but the Lord used them also to fulfil His mighty plan on the earth! We see Jochebed, Amram and Miriam (Exodus 2; 6:20) involved in their own way in saving the Baby Moses and later he became one of the great people whom God used mightily. A harlot, Rahab because of her saving acts, become one of the ancestors of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Ananias was an ordinary disciple living in Damascus, who God used to touch Paul, who came to be known as the Apostle to the Gentiles. The list is innumerable! Likewise, the widow who was crying for her children and the Shunammite woman who was hospitable didn’t expect any reward.

Today there are many “unknown” men and women doing small/big things according to God’s plan and through them, many others became useful to the Kingdom of God and it goes on and on! Let us ask others who are in need: “How can I help you?” and glorify the Lord’s name through our kind and thoughtful acts!

Thought:  “…the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” -1Samuel14:6[NIV]

LISTEN- Two Hands, One Heart