Opportunity to bless #1
8 One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. 9 And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. 10 Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a
lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.” (2 Kings 4:8-10–ESV)
Elisha was an itinerant prophet whose ministry circuit routinely stopped in Shunem. There was a prominent, generously-spirited woman in that town whose house became a regular stopping point for Elisha. She saw an opportunity to mesh the blessing of her wealth with the needs of Elisha. After appealing to her husband plans were drawn up, workmen contracted, and a prophet-suite assembled.
Opportunity to bless #2
11 One day he came there, and he turned into the chamber and rested there. 12 And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? (2 Kings 4:11-13a–ESV)
On one of Elisha’s stops, it came to mind that he might do something good for this woman and her household. While there is a tincture of reciprocity, the more significant motive was one of blessing, of opportunity. This Shunammite woman had perceived an opportunity to do a thing for Elisha a blessing which continued on and on easing the trips he made back and forth across that country. Elisha likely pondered, “Could I now be a blessing to her?” The spirit of the relationship between this prophet and the woman’s family was not that of payment for services but mutually directed goodness.
Elisha has the less intimidating Gehazi seek an audience with the woman. Gehazi’s task was to pursue how she might receive back the gratitude of Elisha.
A contented spirit
13 And he said to him, “Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’” She answered, “I dwell among my own people.” (2 Kings 4:13–ESV)
Has your mom or dad ever asked you what you want for your birthday? Maybe they said, “Send us your Christmas list.” Gehazi lays out before this woman connectivity on par with her wealthy status. The things which only kings and commanders could bestow upon her were seemingly placed at her disposal.
What was her response? “I dwell among my people.” No genie in a bottle here, but a deeper purity. From her reply, one sees a contented spirit. Some commentators have suggested that she appears to be at peace with her neighbors and community.
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