One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” 2 Kings 4:8-10
“It is not unusual for a prophet of Elisha’s status to have people come to him primarily for what they can get. What he may not be familiar with are people who show acts of kindness and generosity without expecting anything in return. This is exactly what he gets and even more on a trip to Shunem. When the wealthy woman invites him in, he may think her family has a problem that money cannot solve. They must need deliverance, or healing of a disease that has defied medical care. They certainly need a spiritual intervention.
Rather than asking for support of any kind from the man of God, this family takes the initiative to make their resources available by offering him a meal after a tiring journey. This invitation of guests—or, better put, strangers—to meals appears to be a norm for this family as she persuaded Elisha to eat! Wow! She is giving away her meal, and is not ready to take no for an answer. What a generous spirit!
It appears that the meal was lavish and the atmosphere so cordial that Elisha soon becomes a regular guest at meals in this home. The woman, in consultation with her husband, then decides to take their generosity even further by building a guest chalet for Elisha. They are willing to release their resources freely to build and furnish a chalet for an itinerant minister. Notice how thorough they are in providing essential furnishings in order to guarantee a comfortable stay for their guest.
Kehinde Ojo in “Generous Living: Taking Initiative” excerpt from Day of Seven Day Generosity Challenge by John Wiebe and the MB Foundation. Click to download the PDF and go through it.
What would it look like for you to take the initiative to support someone in ministry? Imagine the gift that the woman enjoyed: fellowship with Elisha. While it came at a cost, the gain outweighed the price.
Imagine if you started with extending an invitation to support someone doing God’s work? Pause and ask God what it might look like to make space for someone serving God like Elisha today.
Kehinde is a dear Nigerian brother to me. We are both passionate about the work of AfCAA for Africa. AfCAA is replacing corruption with accountability, and in so doing, turning darkness to light.
Like ECFA serves ministries across the USA, AfCAA is accrediting ministries for following standards in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and other countries are in queue. But they need our help.
Like Elisha, AfCAA needs support from people in places like Shunam. Can you be hospitable today? Please make space to share. Join me in supporting this work. Give to the AfCAA matching effort.
When we support those we do not know in the work of God we get the gift of community. The match has only 12 days left. It’s at 20 givers and $2,228 USD toward the $5,000 USD goal. Click here to give.