Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

WHAT DID THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

II Kings 4:8-37

Out of the pages of millenniums past comes one of the most arresting stories of the Old

Testament. It is the story of a woman who prodded her husband to prepare a place for a man of

God to rest from his weary travels; a woman who had no children, and who was blessed with a

son as the result of a promise made by the man of God.

That man of God was Elisha. The woman is simply known as a Shunammite woman. One

day while her son was still just a boy, he suffered severe pain in the head and died. The

Shunammite woman ordered that he should lie in the prophet’s bed in her house, and she

directed a servant to take her to Elisha, many miles away. While yet some distance off, Elisha

recognized her and sent his servant to inquire if all was well. The Shunammite woman replied

all was well with her house including her son.

When she approached Elisha, she reminded him of his promise, and entreated him to come

to her house to restore that promise. Elisha did so and the child was restored to life and given

back to his mother. This is one of the most awesome stories of faith in the Old Testament. So,

what did the Shunammite woman do that was so right?

She exercised great faith in God! It is evident from the beginning of the story that she was

a woman of faith. She recognized God’s prophet. She set in motion the actions that would

befriend and bless him. She received the promise of a son as it was indeed a promise from God.

She recognized that God could restore her son through the prophet whom He used to initially

promise him to her. She did not doubt, but fully believed based on a specific promise. She

acted on that faith, and received the fullness of it.

Let it be known that this woman was a sinner just as are all of mankind. There was no

innate goodness in her. She had no special possessions to attract the favor of God. But, she was

His child. She lived in faith and sought to advance His kingdom. She believed God and that is

the best sinful men can do. That is so right!

God still looks for men and women who are humble enough, bold enough, and simple

enough to learn of His promises and BELIEVE HIM!

FOR THOUGHT: Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? Are you learning of His promises? Do you really believe everything He says? How could the Shunammite woman say all was well with her and her son, knowing he was dead? How often do you fail to really exercise faith in the promises of God?