2 Kings 4:8-13
One day Elisha went to Shunem. A prominent women who lived there persuaded him to eat some food (a meal or bread). So whenever he (Elisha) passes by, he stopped there to eat. Then she said to her husband, I know that the one who often passes by here is a holy man of God, so let’s make a small, room, a little chamber, I pray thee, and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp there for him. Whenever he comes, he can stay there. One day he came there and stopped at the upstairs room to lie down. He said to Gehazi, “call this Shunamite woman”. So he called her and she stood before him. Then he said to Gehazi, “Say to her, look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army? She answered, I am living among my own people.
The purpose of service is so God can reach others through our hands.
As the people of God we provide a service not just to meet the needs of a people but to express thanks to God for what He has done for us as we lead others to Him in praise and worship and build up the body of Christ.
Elisha traveled through all of Israel. One day it took him through the village of Shunem in north-eastern Israel. One day a godly woman (a great women, a prominent women) urged the man of God to come to her home for a meal. This is an example of true service unto God.
Each time the prophet would stop for a meal when he passed that way.
In time this woman suggested to her husband that they construct a bedroom and furnish it for Elisha, whom she perceived to be a “holy man of God”. Thus her home became an early example of a Bed and Breakfast.
When Elisha wanted to reward the woman for her hospitality, he asked if he should speak to the king or the captain of the host on her behalf. Perhaps advancing her to a notable position.
When we walk in faith and servitude we add the characteristic of true godliness in our life.
Peter tells us to include godliness in the addition problem that begins with faith: ” and to patience [add] godliness” (2 Peter 1:6)
But godliness must not remain alone; we need to bolster it with contentment. For “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
Are we content to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness and let Him add the things He sees we need? (Matthew 6:33) Are you living a life of true godliness?
