This reading is taken from 2nd Kings 4:1-7 andtells of the story of the Widow whose husband was in the company of the prophets under the Prophet Elisha. After the death of her husband, the creditors came around demanding that the debts owned by her husband be paid. She inturned cried out to Elisha that the creditor was coming to take her children as slaves to work off what was owed. Poor people and debtors were allowed to pay their debts by selling themselves or their children as slaves. God ordered rich people and creditors not to take advantage of these people during their time of extreme need (see Deut. 15:1-18 for an explanation of these practices). This woman's creditor was not acting in the spirit of God's law. Elisha's kind deed demonstrates that God wants us to go beyond simply keeping the law. We must also show compassion.
God cares for His faithful who are in need and distressed. This widow and her children represent God's forsaken and oppressed people. Elisha provided the remedy for her problem by telling her to collect jars from their neighbors, pouring oil into them from A SINGLE JAR OF OIL that she said was all that was left in her house. The oil was probably olive oil and was used for cooking, lamps, and for fuel.
The oil stopped pouring only when they ran out of containers. The number of jars they gathered was an indication of their faith. God's provision was as large as their faith and willingness to obey. Beware of limiting God's blessings by a lack of faith and obedience. God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)
When reading the Old Testament, it is easy to focus on God's harsh judgment of the rebellious and to minimize His tender care for those who love and serve Him. To see Him at work providing for His followers helps us keep His severe justice toward the unrepentant in proper perspective.
Blessings,
Elder Barbara
FL|LA|TTEBC
