Did you hear the one about the young couple who recently got married and went to the Holy Land on their honeymoon? the brides mother heard of where they were going and insisted on joining them in the holy land on their honey moon well one day they were out seeing the site and the mother in law got really sick and died!
the funeral director pulled the man aside and asked if he wanted to pay $150.00 for a funeral plot to bury her in the holy land or $5,000 to fly her body back home to be buried
the man thought about it long and hard and said I will pay $5,000 to fly her body back and bury it at home
the director was shocked and asked if he minded if he asked why he would want to spend so much more when she could be buried int he lovely settings of the Holy Land
the man responded, “Well, about 2,000 years ago you buried a man name Jesus here and he rose again from the dead.....I just can’t take that chance!”
Despite how much we like to joke about our mother’s or mother-in-law’s, we are forever indebted to them for all they have taught us and given to us in our lives. So today, we take sometime from our busy scheduled to let our mum’s know how much they really mean to us.
Ladies, how would you like to be recorded in the Bible as being a “great woman” ? It happened in the passage that we read today! So what was so different about this lady that made God call her great? What qualities of character made her unusual? What can mothers learn from her today?
I. Her Compassion for Others (Particularly the Prophet of God. (9-10)
A. Elisha evidnetly traveled often to Shunem
1. He was acquainted with this family
2. When he came to Shunem he stopped there to eat.
B. This woman saw Elisha’s need for lodging
1. She recognized him as a man of God.
2. She urged her husband to add a room for Elisha.
a. Never under estimate the affect a wife or mother has on the home.
b. Remember, the husband is the head of the home; however, the wife is the neck that turns the head.
C. She cared enough to get involved
1. She designed and furnished the room.
2. She extended a standing invitation to him.
D. Great mothers are compassionate people!
II. Her Contentment with the provisions of God. (12-17)
A. Elisha wanted to do something to repay this woman.
1. “What is to be done for thee?”
2. Elisha offered her a “blank cheque”.
B. This great woman turned down the prophet’s offer
1. “I dwell with mine own people”
2. She is content with what she has. (I Tim. 6:6+8; Philippians 4:11; Hebrews 13:5)
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:11
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Hebrews 13:5
C. Elisha promised her a son.
1. He concluded this was her desire
2. He promised a child within a year.
3. The child was born as promised
D. God honored her contentment.
1. She did not complain
2. God gave her the desire of her heart.
III. Her Confidence in the Power of God (18-37)
A. The child became ill and died.
1. He had joined his father among the reapers.
2. A severe headache sent him to his mother.
3. The child died on his mother’s lap.
B. The great woman’s confidence in a crisis
1. She sends for Elisha and trust the Lord.
2. “It shall be well (vs. 23)
3. “It is well” (26)
C. She knew that God would care for the child.
1. Even death did not destroy her faith.
2. Elisha’s burried trip to Shunem to heal her son.
D. The child lives by the power of God. (vs. 32-37)
Conclusion:
A mother’s faith is rewarded. god answered this mother’s prayers. Just the same, he has answered the prayers of mother’s through out time. How many children have accpeted Christ because of a mother’s prayers? How many children have recovered from sickness in answer to a mother’s prayers? How many men and women are in the ministry today because of a mother’s prayers?
This morning, let me challenge each mother to be a Great Woman in God’s eyes. Never stop trusting God. Never stop praying for your family! Your prayers do make a difference!
Friend, maybe it is your mother’s prayers that brought you to church this morning! Stop fighting God and simply trust Christ as your personal Savior today!
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