CSSA 1-3-10 - ELISHA AND THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN

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60. ELISHA AND THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN

"About this .season, thou shah embrace a son €

Aim

To show how God blessed the Shunammite woman who had lovingly cared for Elisha.

Elisha travelled throughout the northern kingdom of Israel, teaching the people and performing many miracles. His miracles not only showed Israel the greatness of the God of Elisha, but also taught them wonderful lessons which should have strengthened their faith. In this lesson Elisha showed that nothing was too hard for God € He could even bring back to life those who had died.

2 Kings 4: 8-37

FAITH AND KINDNESS REWARDED: 2 Kings 4: 8-17

As Elisha travelled from city to city he often passed through Shunem. One day a wealthy woman who lived there invited him to eat and refresh himself. From that time on, whenever he passed by, she urged him to join her and her husband in a meal. She realised that he was "a holy man of God" and discussed with her husband a plan she had in mind to build a little room for him, since he often went that way. "Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall, " she said to her husband, "and let us set for him (here a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick" (that is, a lamp) (v 10). It would have been nothing fancy, just a simple little room containing the things he would need. At last the room was finished and the prophet was delighted to turn aside from his travels and rest there.

Elisha was very grateful. He called the Shunammite woman and asked her what he could do for her in return for all her kindness. The woman however was quite content. She did not want any special honour given to her, for she had been pleased to help God's prophet. So Elisha said to Gehazi, his servant, "What then is to be done for her? " (v 14).

Gehazi knew that there was only one thing the kind woman lacked which would make her perfectly happy. "She hath no child, and her husband is old, " he said (v 14). Immediately Elisha knew what could be done. She was not just kind, but a faithful woman as well, who loved to have the privilege of serving the prophet of God. So he called her and told her that God would give her a son. This indeed, was her heart's desire, but she could scarcely believe it. "Nay, my lord, do not lie unto thine handmaid, " she exclaimed (v 16). Yet just as Elisha had said, the time came that she gave birth to a son. Such a reward no doubt seemed to her far more than she deserved for her kindness to the prophet, but God knew that her heart was faithful; so He blessed her.

HER JOY IS TURNED TO GRIEF: 2 Kings 4:8-17

That little boy was greatly loved. As he grew up he used to follow his father out into the fields. One day he went out with the reapers, but suddenly felt very sick and said to his father, "My head, my head". His father was very busy with the harvest and told a lad to carry him to his mother. She nursed him on her lap, but he only grew worse, until at mid day he died.

She took her little son up and laid him on the bed in Elisha's room and shut the door. Then she sent a message to her husband, saying, "Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again" (v 22). He was surprised; it was no special occasion that he could think of. He did not know as yet, that his son had died. His wife simply said, "// shall be well" (v 23).

Then she saddled the ass and urged her servant to hurry on with all speed towards Mount Carmel. As she drew near, Elisha saw her coming and sent Gehazi off to see if all was well. When he questioned her she said, "It is well," but would not stop or say more till she had reached Elisha. She fell down before him and caught hold of his feet, but Gehazi tried to thrust her away. Elisha stopped him. He could tell that some thing was very wrong. This poor woman was very distressed and ur gently needed his help. God had not yet shown him what was troubling her.

At last she poured out her sorrow. "Did I desire a son of my lord? " she asked, "did I not say, do not deceive me? " (v 28). Imme diately Elisha knew what was wrong. The boy had died. Quickly he gave Gehazi his staff and ordered him to make all haste back to the Shunammite's house. He was not to stop on the way for anyone. Then he must lay Elisha's staff on the child's face.

Elisha expected the Shunammite woman to follow his servant, but she would not leave Elisha. She knew God's power was in him. He was the one she had come to seek. So Elisha arose and went back with her.

LIFE FROM THE DEAD: 2 Kings 4:31-37

Gehazi hurried on ahead and did as his master had said, "but there was neither voice, nor hearing'1 (v 31).

So he returned to Elisha with the news, "The child is not awaked" (v 31). When at last Elisha reached the house, he went up to his room and found the child on his bed. Gehazi had not been able to waken him; he was indeed dead.

He shut the door, leaving his servant and the child's mother outside. He prayed to God for he knew that he had no power of his own; God alone could help. Then he went up to his bed and lay upon the child, putting his mouth upon the boy's mouth, his eyes upon the boy's eyes and his hands upon the boy's hands. As he stretched himself upon the child, the little body grew warm. He got up and walked to and fro in the house. Then he came back and stretched himself on the little body again. Suddenly he sneezed seven times and opened his eyes!

God had heard his prayer and put life back into the little child. He was alive from the dead!

Elisha sent Gehazi to call the Shunammite. When she came in, he said, "Take up thy son" (v 36). Suddenly the strength went out of her and she fell at his feet. How grateful she was for this second miracle of life from the dead! Before taking up her son, she bowed down before Elisha in thankfulness and praise.

LESSON FOR US

God is not unmindful of all that we do. He knows our hearts and will reward us for our faithfulness.

The Shunammite woman did not expect any reward. She helped Elisha because she saw it as a privilege to help God's servant. She was content and happy. We must have the same attitude. We must serve God because we love Him and are thankful for all His daily blessings. No matter how much we do we will never earn life from the dead, but God will give us eternal life if we have the same faithful attitude that she had.

QUESTIONS

Short Answers

1. What did the Shunammite woman do for Elisha?