October 12 “Shortages” 2 Kings 1-7
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks, within the sanctuary, and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.” So Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels and set aside the full ones.” So, she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out. Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So, the oil ceased. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.” (2 Kings 4:1-7)
When we listen to the radio or watch television or read a newspaper, we are constantly informed of the shortages and the lack of availability of many products and services, that we have historically enjoyed. Imagine, if you will, in a short period of time, we are experiencing a shortage of meats, produce, Christmas trees (both real and artificial), gasoline, workers for the open jobs, automobiles, and a host of other things that we have come to take for granted! Now, I am not going to talk about the “politics” of these issues! I am going to talk about the power and promise of God to sustain us and to provide for our “Daily Bread!” When I think about “Lack,” the story of Elisha and the woman in need, with only a small jar of oil to her name. This woman was in a very desperate situation. She was in debt. Back then, when someone had a debt that they could not pay, they had to offer themselves or their children as slaves to work until the debt was paid off. The only thing she owned that had any value was some oil, but it was almost gone. Then she would have nothing. With nowhere else to turn, she went to Elisha, the greatest prophet. Elisha told the woman to collect empty jars from all her neighbors. She took her very small amount of oil and poured it into the first empty jar. Miraculously, the oil kept on pouring until the jar was filled. She set it aside and poured oil into the next jar. One by one, she filled each jar, until there were no empty jars left. With this abundance of oil, the woman could sell the oil, pay her debt, and still have plenty of money to provide for her needs and the needs of her sons. The Lord took what little the woman had, and He multiplied it. He not only gave her enough money to pay her debt and keep her children from becoming slaves. But He gave her plenty extra so that she could buy food, clothing, and everything else they would need in the future. How do we know that the woman believed that God would help her? She collected jars from her neighbors! If she had not believed God, she would not have bothered the neighbors and risked being embarrassed if nothing happened. God invited this woman to be a part of His plan, and her actions gave proof of her trust in God. This story is a beautiful picture of how much God cares for His children! No problem is too great or too small for our loving God! Regardless of our situation, and regardless of our place in life, our God will provide for our needs! He promised and I believe! Please dedicate yourselves to growing in your relationship with our God and, by faith, receive His amazing blessings. This woman was in a desperate situation, with her back to the wall, and she, by faith, was obedient to the instructions of the prophet and God blessed her faith and obedience! Does this give you a clue on how we are to react to this “Shortage” environment and how we are to live? I am claiming God’s provision for His people, and I am excited about what is to come! Remember, this world is not our home, we are just passing through! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…REALLY AND TRULY, THE BEST IS YET TO BE!