God Honors Those Who Honor Him

Every time Elisha went through the town of Shunem, there was a rich woman who invited him to eat at their home. That woman perceived that Elisha was a holy man of God, and therefore she talked to her husband to build a small guest room that would be adequately furnished so that the man of God could stay whenever he visited their place. As we observe the details we realize that the woman made sure that Elisha had a room that was comfortable to stay in.

The need she never mentioned

On one of his visits Elisha said to his servant Gehazi as we read in 2 Kings 4:13, Elisha said to Gehazi, “Ask her what we can do for her, since she has gone to a lot of trouble for us. Maybe she would like us to speak to the king or the commander of the army for her.” She answered, “I’m already living among my own people.”(GW)

The Shunamite woman did not ask for anything though Elisha enquired if she had anything that she needed.

We read in 2 Kings 4:14, “What should we do for her?” Elisha asked. Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.”(GW)

Gehazi was able to perceive that the couple had no child, and brought up this matter to his master Elisha. This woman was so different in that she was so kind and hospitable to Elisha, but did not even think that she should ask the man of God to pray for her to have a child. Probably the Shunamite woman had resigned herself to the thought that since her husband was old that there would be no way for her to have a child.

There are many who have accepted certain lack in their lives, and have reconciled themselves that their situation will never change. When we love God and do things for Him, the Lord will take note and will surely honor and bless us.

Jesus said this in Mark 9:41, I assure you that anyone who gives you a drink of water because you belong to me will certainly receive a reward. (GW)

The woman received a miracle

We read in 2 Kings 4: 15-17, Elisha said, “Call her.” So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. Elisha said, “At this time next spring, you will hold a baby boy in your arms.” She answered, “Don’t say that, sir. Don’t lie to me. You’re a man of God.” But the woman became pregnant and had a son at that time next year, as Elisha had told her. (GW)

As children of God there are many things that prevent us from living the abundant life that Jesus offers. It is important that we learn to be faithful in everything that God has entrusted to us. Often many people claim that all that they possess, their finances, their home, their time is all theirs, and want to use them only for their own benefit, and satisfaction. We must keep in mind that everything we have is given to us by God. When we chose to be content with the little that God has given to us, we will certainly receive God’s abundant blessings.

We looked at two women from the bible, one was Hannah who cried in desperation to the Lord for a child and promised the Lord that she would give him back to the Lord. The other one is the Shunamite woman who honored Elisha the man of God, was kind and hospitable to him. God honored her kindness when he visited her and blessed her with a son.