"The woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God; and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years."
2 Kings 8:2
THE Shunammite woman who had helped Elisha by providing shelter for him was given a Divine warning by the prophet that a famine was coming. Elisha said it would last seven years and that she needed to move to some place where she and her household would be provided for during the famine.
The response of the woman to the Divine warning is in our verse. It was an excellent response of obedience. Her response was prompt, painful, prudent, and patient.
Prompt. "The woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God."
As soon as the Divine warning was given she obeyed. This required considerable faith for at that time the famine had not come and the land was still in good condition. Obedience to God often requires action when circumstances do not seem to justify it.
Painful. "She went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines."
Obedience is often difficult, and it was here. The woman was a widow, she had to leave a home she loved, and she had to move her household. Obedience had plenty of difficulties, yet she still obeyed. Obedience comes with a high price tag, but it is always worth it.
Prudent. "Sojourned in the land of the Philistines."
Normally in the Bible going to Philistia was symbolic of backsliding. But not here. Philistia was on the coast of the Mediterranean, and was a land of plenty compared to the highlands of Palestine. And if food failed there, it could easily be brought by sea from Egypt. The woman made a wise choice. Faith and obedience enhances our wisdom.
Patient. "Sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years."
Elisha had said the famine would last seven years. That is a long time to be inconvenienced away from home. But the woman stayed the full seven years as per the warning. Obedience to God will require patience. Obedience is not to be only for a moment, but it is to be forever. You may get tired in obedience but do not get tired of obedience.
adapted from Sermonettes 3 by John Butler.
Tomorrow
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