2 Kings 4 - Elisha's Ministry of Miracles (part one)

LINK: 2 Kings 4

BACKGROUND
These next few chapters are accounts of miracles that God did through Elisha. There are four in chapter four.

God provided for a poverty-stricken widow so her sons wouldn't have to leave her to work off their father's debt as slaves to the creditor.

God gave a son to a well-to-do but childless woman, and gave him back again when the son died at a young age. (This is the second recorded resurrection in the Bible.)

When the sons of the prophets at Gilgal used toxic wild gourds in their pot of stew, God made it edible for them.

A large crowd ate a small amount of food, were satisfied and had some left over. This is very similar to Jesus feeding the 5000 with the boy's lunch of five loaves and two fish (John 6).

REFLECTION
God is a God of compassion. He cares about His people as a whole as well as individuals. Jesus also showed compassion to the crowds as well as to individuals.

APPLICATION
As believers, we are to be compassionate as well. "And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12).

PRAYER
Father, thank you for your compassion toward us, your children. Because of your great compassion, you give us our very life -- this life as well as eternal life. Teach us to be like you, showing compassion to others -- helping those in need, encouraging the downcast, coming alongside the brokenhearted, and being kind and gentle toward others. Amen.