Bible Reading: II Kings 4, 5, 6; Luke 24:28-53
“Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither.” – 2 Kings 4:10 (KJV).
Hospitality is one of the major tools to bring down the hand of the divine into naughty situations. From the time immemorial, people who gave themselves to this ministry have received unspeakable testimonies. The case of Abraham (Gen. 18) graphically illustrates this godly gesture that is fast waning in our society even among professing Christians. The Prophet got busy in his divine mission which got him to Shunem. In this town, resides a great woman who constrained the Prophet to eat bread! What was so special in this man that made her go this extra mile with Elisha? What only the invisible eye could see! The woman practically forced Elisha to eat bread. Oh! That was extra expenses on her family budget but she did not bother. As if that was not enough, she encouraged the husband that they made a little chamber where the man of God could rest and be relieved from his stress.
The steps the woman took helps us to see that there was better understanding running in their family. As a woman, do you have understanding with your husband? The husband was in total agreement with the woman. Are you always in agreement with your spouse concerning hospitality move? Maybe that is what is responsible for the delivery of the long overdue blessings which carry your name tag. Please, feel Elisha: “And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there” – 2 Kings 4:11 (KJV).
The depth of the hospitality provoked the blessing that money cannot buy. Elisha wanted to use his position to speak to the king on behalf of the woman but she said, never worry, I dwell among my people. This made the prophet inquire from Gehazi what could be done for her. Gehazi who had closely observed that since they have been turning in, no child ever welcomed them said, “Verily, she hath no child and her husband is old” v.14. Result came as the woman conceived and bare a son (vv.15-17). “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” – Heb. 13:2 (KJV). Would you arise today and become another Shunammite in this generation?
Prayer Point: Lord, enrich my life with the grace of hospitality in Jesus name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole