adapted from She, delighting in the women of the Bible, Volume 3, pp 75-76
Today’s Scripture: 2 Kings 4 and 1 Corinthians 12:58
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Today’s woman of the Bible, the Shunammite Woman, may not seem quite as exciting as some of the others we have studied – like Rahab, who risked her life by hiding the spies, but she has much to teach us in the way of hospitality and the blessings of our faith. Her story is found in 2 Kings chapter 4, where we find short details of several situations in her life involving the prophet Elisha.
The woman is described as a wealthy married woman in the village of Shunem, who had no children. She met Elisha and offered him food as he passed through their town of Shunem. Because he continued to pass their way, he would stop and visit/stay with them. She sensed that he was a “holy man (prophet) of God,” so she sought her husband’s permission to set up a guest room for Elisha, acknowledging Elisha as a true prophet and holy man of God. How nice it must have been for Elisha, who often passed that way in his travels, to know that he always had a place to stay. Today, many churches have a “prophet’s chamber” for traveling evangelists and other servants of God to stay in free of charge.
SHE SAW THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING FOR HIM THAT WOULD HONOR THE LORD1
“The Shunammite woman’s heartfelt hospitality to Elisha and simple, sincere faith led to an amazing series of events. Elisha was certainly blessed. And God abundantly blessed the woman’s life during a difficult period in Israel. Still today, God often uses His people’s humble acts of service to bless both the giver and the receiver.”2 For the full commentary by Gotquestions.org, visit https://www.gotquestions.org/Elisha-Shunammite-woman.html
Reflection and Application
- Are you a person who practices hospitality?
- What are some ways you can effectively practice hospitality today?
- How does practicing hospitality honor those like Elisha who faithfully serve the Lord?
Me From the Inside Out 