Introduction
As was seen in the previous article in this series, Elisha's service continued, with the grace of God being demonstrated in a miraculous way in the lives of those with whom the prophet came into contact.
The Shunammite woman and her son
In 2 Kings 4.8 Elisha comes into contact with the "great woman" of Shunem. The idea may be that she was of great reputation, or it may simply be that she was "older". In any event, the emphasis appears to be on the woman rather than her husband; it is a common but silly mistake to expect spiritual wisdom and perception to be found always in the husband, rather than the wife: often it is completely the opposite. Just as Elisha did, the writer has often benefited from the spiritual exercise and perception of older sisters. Are there young 21st century sisters who also aspire to rise above the spiritual mediocrity of the day?
It seems that the woman's exercise began with making room and opening her door to the servant of God, and by implication the word of God. She made him welcome and provided for him. "With such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Heb 13.16). Many have found the deep spiritual blessing and joy of being able to make sacrifices and show love for the Lord's people. It is important to be practical. Society finds it strange that young believing couples would have a servant of God stay with them for days and weeks. However, not only is God pleased with such sacrifices, but, almost invariably, homes are blessed by having the servants of God stay. It is worth noticing in passing that it was an exercise that was discussed between husband and wife (v.9), for it would be difficult to accomplish if both parties were not ready to make the necessary sacrifice.
It may be that the home is simple and not luxurious. That is no barrier to exercise. The Shunammite woman provided a small room, a bed, a desk, a table and a lamp. The servant of God was comfortable and satisfied. He was also grateful. Those who take the place of being the servants of the Lord do the Master a disservice if they are unappreciative, or look down at sacrifices which are made for their direct benefit, particularly when those making the sacrifices do not have much materially to call their own.
As observed above, sacrifice often brings blessing, albeit that is not the primary purpose of sacrifice (1 Sam 2.30). Here, the Man of God appreciated the care the lady had extended. He offered a route to power and influence (incidentally, it can be seen later in this series that God ultimately gave her influence with the king, perhaps because she had priorities right, 2 Kings 8.6). However, she did not want that; she was now old and desired a child. It appeals to the writer this way. Many of the saints today are offered similar choices: influence with earthly leaders, or the establishment of lasting spiritual legacy. The assemblies of the saints require godly men and woman of each generation to purposely choose the latter.
It will suffice to say that the child was born, but then the Scriptures recount how, tragically, he died (v.20). So far as we see, his death was not the result of any lack of love or care on the part of his parents. It has been the same for many godly parents today as they have coped with the physical death or spiritual deadness of a child who was prayed for. The writer moves outside his own current experience here, but pauses to note that what marked these parents in this tragedy was the Shunammite woman's desire to see the Man of God. Is that not the best place for the saint to be in tragedy: shut up to God and to His Word; relying on those who can bring the Word of God to bear, as opposed to seeking counsel among the ungodly? Ultimately, and of greatest comfort, especially in the circumstances where the people of God do not understand, we do have a Great High Priest, "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Heb 4.15).
Applying Elisha's miracle of raising the child to life to the spiritual realm, we can note that contact with one representative of the Word of God, brought life. The Word of God can still be powerfully used to the end that spiritual life is produced in souls. Let there be encouragement that the Scriptures are living, and however "dead" a child might seem in sin, God's Word can be taken up in power.
Lastly, it is worth explicitly drawing attention to the fact that this great man of God was helpless without the power of God. There can be nothing of substance done without divine help. Perhaps this is forgotten too often in the lives of the people of God.
Death in the pot
The historian now records an incident Elisha experienced with the sons of the prophet (2 Kings 4.38-41). It merits some comment because of its typical teaching. A thick stew or soup was made to feed the group. Unwittingly, poisonous "wild gourds" were used among the ingredients. There was then an exclamation during dinner that death" was in the pot. Elisha cured the poison by simply casting meal into the pot.
The writer sees the meal as a picture of Christ (see, for example, Leviticus 2 in relation the meal offering). The simple but profound lesson is this: Christ is the answer to bitterness or poison where it is found among the people of God. Elisha did not consult the chemistry books, or ask for ideas - he cast in meal. Similarly, the antidote to difficulty is not man-made old or new ideas, but Christ. As has often been pointed out, this is seen throughout the epistles where error is consistently met with teaching derived from the Person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ exalting, devotional ministry should, therefore, by its nature be practical, achieving prevention of error.
The man of Baal-shalisha
The end of the chapter (vv.42-44) records how a man brought "twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn". In a manner reminiscent of the feeding of the four thousand and the five thousand, Elisha provided for a large group, perhaps a hundred or more, using the quantity of bread available. There was bread enough and to spare indeed. So it is when we feed on the Bread that has come down from above; He is an inexhaustible supply (see Jn 6.51).
Naaman
Perhaps the cleansing of the Syrian general, Naaman, from leprosy (2 Kings 5.1-26) is the most well-known event involving Elisha. Gospel messages are often well-preached from this passage, but there are points worth noting for the saints here. Space does not permit a fuller examination of this event.
Spiritual strength was not guaranteed by worldly strength and influence (1 Cor 1.26). Let that never be forgotten. Naaman's wife's maid was nothing so far as the world was concerned, yet she had more spiritual knowledge and perception than the mighty Syrian general, and, sadly, than the man that took the place of being a leader among the people of God (v.7).
The path to blessing was simple obedience - dipping in the Jordan seven times. It is still the same today. The people of God can posture and make noise. However, if they are not willing to obey they cannot expect to be used and blessed.
The sad story of Gehazi (5.20ff) demonstrates that leprosy (typical of spiritual weakness and sin) in his case arose from material covetousness. The writer speaks to his own heart and wonders whether the dangers of materialism have become forgotten truth amongst the saints.
Elisha pointed out clearly (v.26) that the urgency of the day demanded that the servants of God should not be living for the temporal. Is that the difficulty - eyes lifted from the divine purpose, or the here and now, forgetting that all of the world's possessions will soon be gone for ever? The Lord Jesus Christ taught clearly and powerfully: "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." (Mt 6.20).
The axe-head floating
The final miracle recorded in the section under consideration is found at the beginning of 2 Kings 6. The sons of the prophets desired a bigger place to stay. Elisha went with them as they went to cut wood (v.4). The building of the house clearly depended on the ability to cultivate wood. However, the axe-head fell into the river. The axe-head on the bottom of the river-bed would not be effective. God's power was seen in Elisha in that ultimately the iron implement floated.
Perhaps the simple and encouraging lesson is this: the power of God restored the iron (which naturally was finished, lost, useless and ineffective in the river) and made it useful again. God can still do the same with his people today (Joel 2.25)!
To be continued.
