In what ways can we serve others as Elisha served in 2 Kings 4:13? Elisha’s Model of Service in 2 Kings 4:13 “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’ ” (2 Kings 4:13) • Saw the unseen labor of the Shunammite woman and acknowledged it. • Actively sought ways to bless her in return. • Offered the influence God had given him—“to the king or the commander of the army.” • Let her needs, not his assumptions, set the agenda. Practical Ways We Can Serve Like Elisha 1. Notice Faithful, Quiet Servants – Pay attention to those who labor behind the scenes (Hebrews 6:10). – Speak words of appreciation; verbal gratitude is often a healing balm (Proverbs 16:24). 2. Ask, “What Can I Do for You?” – Genuine service begins with listening (James 1:19). – Avoid presuming needs; give others the dignity of defining their own requests. 3. Offer Your God-Given Influence – Use workplace, community, or church connections to open doors for others (Philippians 2:4). – Intercede prayerfully and practically, just as Elisha offered advocacy at court. 4. Share Tangible Resources – Time: help with childcare, transportation, or errands (Galatians 6:2). – Skills: tutoring, job coaching, home repairs (1 Peter 4:10). – Finances: meet a bill, fund a mission trip, stock a pantry (Proverbs 19:17). 5. Serve Without Spotlight – Elisha’s offer was private; public applause was not the goal (Matthew 6:3-4). – Keep motives pure—seeking God’s glory, not personal credit (Colossians 3:23-24). 6. Follow Through Promptly – Elisha immediately pursued how he might help; delayed obedience often withers into good intentions (Proverbs 3:27-28). Guarding the Heart Behind Service • Cultivate gratitude: Elisha recognized the kindness he received and responded (Psalm 103:2). • Reject entitlement: view every role or influence as stewardship, not status (Luke 17:10). • Stay humble: let Christ’s example of foot-washing set the tone (John 13:14-15). Relying on God’s Power • Pray first; spiritual sensitivity enabled Elisha to discern deeper needs (Ephesians 6:18). • Expect God to multiply small acts, as He did the widow’s oil (2 Kings 4:1-7). • Remember that the Spirit empowers every believer for service (Acts 1:8). Crowning Benefit: A Christlike Witness By noticing, asking, advocating, and giving as Elisha did, we echo our Lord, “the Son of Man [who] did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). In practical, Spirit-led acts of love, the living Word continues to touch lives today. |
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