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DAY THREE
Widow with Oil
Today we'll look into 2 Kings. At the close of 1 Kings, the hope of having a godly kingdom was over. The people had forsaken God. 2 Kings shows the vanity of a nation that had forsaken its heritage of godliness and obedience. The people had bought the lie of the world and were living in its futility. The LORD demanded true repentance, but it didn't happen. In the end, continued sin led to total collapse. God did not abandon His people, but their sin brought a heavy cost.
In the course of time, Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind. His servant, Elisha, received the mantle of prophet to this bedraggled nation. (2 Kings 2) Elisha was obedient to God in faithful service. We pick up his story in 2 Kings 4 when Jehoram was king of Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Jehoshaphat was king of Judah (Southern Kingdom). (You may want to read chapters 1-3 for background to this story.)
- Read 2 Kings 4:1-7, and describe the problem the widow faced. (v.1)
"The sons of the prophets" is mentioned in several other places in the Old Testament. During this time in the history of the nation, there were schools for prophets. These schools were held at Jericho and Bethel. It appears that this widow was married to one of the pupils. The man had died and left a huge debt. Now his sons were in danger of being sold to pay that debt.
- What did Elisha say to the widow? (vv.2-4)
- How did the widow respond?
- In verse 3, Elisha told the woman "do not get a few," and verse 6 says, "and the oil stopped." What do these two phrases reveal, in your opinion?
- From 2 Kings 4:1, 7, we know that the servant who died "feared the LORD," and that the widow showed her faith by turning to the man of God for help. What can you learn from this story about how God provides for His people?
- How much did God provide for this widow and her sons? (v.7)
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
- God's people will fear Him. When you hear the name of God, do you respond with reverence?
- God provides for His people from His abundant storehouse. List a few of the blessings God has given you today (air, sunshine, flowers, food, shelter, clothing, etc.).
- God has the answers to our problems. Have you talked to God today about all your needs? No need is too small or too large for God. He wants to hear from you. Have you limited Him by thinking that your little problem is not worth bothering Him? Don't limit a limitless God!
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