(REFLECTIONS ON 2 Kings 4:1-44)

In today’s Scripture, if anyone doubted if Elisha was a capable replacement for Elijah, all questions are answered. Elisha did the works of Elijah, and it reminds us that the works of the Lord don’t just rest on one person or one people, but continues across space and time for all of time.

Elisha, servant of the Lord, also displayed characteristics of the coming Christ, asking “What shall I do for you?” first for the maidservant, and then “What can I do for you?” for the Shunammite woman. It provides us with a glimpse of Jesus’ future ministry, being not just one of word, but also of acts of compassion.

Elisha, prophet of the Lord, not only spoke the words of God, but also did the works of God. In his interaction with the maidservant who was concerned about creditors coming to take her two children to be his slaves after her husband passed way, Elisha told her,

“Go, borrow vessels at large for yourself from all your neighbors, even empty vessels; do not get a few.”

Because she listened to Elisha’s words, and did not get a few, but an abundance of vessels, there was an abundance of oil that didn’t stop until there was not one vessel more. She was able then to sell the oil and pay her debt. Yes, there were abundant blessings for her.

Next, Elisha spoke to the Shunammite woman telling her that she would conceive and bear a son. She did conceive of a son, however he later became ill and died. Elisha was able to breathe life into the son and this became an abundant blessing for her despite the challenge of death.

Lastly, we also see Elisha foreshadow Christ’s feeding of the five thousand and four thousand, by feeding a hundred men despite his attendant’s doubt. They ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord. Yes, there were abundant blessings because of the word of the Lord.

Interestingly, not all things went smoothly in the different interactions Elisha had in today’s Scripture. However, the results were the same, abundant blessings. It reminds us that our faith is not a simple interaction of cause and effect, as if we do one thing will always result in the outcomes we expect and are looking for.

However, it does remind us that there are abundant blessings from the Lord because of His faithfulness for His people. Let us then not put our focus on how we can bring about blessings, but to focus on our worship continually blessing and glorifying God. When we have a heart of worship, our hearts are aligned with the Lord, and when we have given up all authority to our Lord and King, abundant blessings will overflow in our lives.

Yes, we can’t force it to happen, and in some cases tragedy is a precursor to blessing, but if our hearts are aligned with the will of God, with God’s love, then the blessings of the Lord will pour down on us like fragrant oil. Do not get a few, but an abundance of vessels prepared for an abundance of oil, healing, cleansing, and the Bread of Life from our Lord and Savior.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: 2 Kings 4