How does 2 Kings 4:25 demonstrate faith in seeking God's prophet for help? Setting the Scene • Elisha often traveled through Shunem, and a noble woman there had shown him hospitality (2 Kings 4:8–10). • God rewarded her with a son, yet the child suddenly died (vv. 18–20). • Rather than preparing for burial or seeking natural remedies, she quietly saddled a donkey, told her husband, “It’s all right,” and headed straight for Elisha at Mount Carmel—about 20 miles away (vv. 22–24). Observing the Text “‘So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to his servant Gehazi, “Look, there is the Shunammite!”’” (2 Kings 4:25) Unpacking Her Faith • Immediate action—no hesitation: faith moves quickly toward God’s representative. • Right direction: she traveled to “the man of God,” recognizing prophetic authority as the mouthpiece of the LORD (cf. Amos 3:7). • Perseverance: a lone woman on a rough road, undeterred by distance or social convention. • Silent confidence: she spoke “It’s all right” (v. 23), refusing fear-filled words that could undermine trust. • Expectation of intervention: her journey assumed God would act through His prophet—faith expressed in motion. • Personal engagement: she did not send a servant; she went herself, underscoring relational trust. Lessons for Today • Faith runs toward God’s revealed source of help—His Word and those who faithfully proclaim it. • Urgency is fitting when life’s crises clash with God’s promises; delaying can signal doubt. • Words matter: faith-filled speech aligns with God’s power (Proverbs 18:21). • Obstacles (distance, norms, opinions) shrink when the object of faith is the living God (Hebrews 11:27). • God honors believers who approach Him expecting resurrection power (Ephesians 1:19–20). Supporting Scriptures • 2 Chronicles 20:20—“Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe His prophets, and you will succeed.” • Hebrews 11:6—“Without faith it is impossible to please God…” • James 5:14–16—calling the elders parallels seeking God’s appointed servants for help. • Psalm 50:15—“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
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