2 Kings 4: 8 – 10; 16 – 17
Text: v. 16 “About this time next year…”
Introduction:
Sometimes ago we stopped at v.7 of this same passage under the topic Empowered for Progress: Relocating from Poverty to Prosperity. Please be reminded, this is not “Prosperity preaching” as the world may term it. This is rather operating at the level of covenant relationship with God. After all, as Bishop Oyedepo said “there is a place of no lack on this earth, when you become iniquity- free, you will enjoy plenty from God”. He further said, “God will never bless you beyond the level to which you are willing to be a blessing. Based on the word of God, prosperity or blessing is the idea and will of God. After all, what is Prosperity?
“True prosperity is the ability to use God’s power to meet the needs of mankind in every realm of life – spirit, soul, body, financially, emotionally, etc”
- George Pearsons
In this context we are not talking of blessing in terms of self-agrandize-ment, but the kind of blessing whereby one becomes a blessing continually to others especially for the sake of influencing our world for the Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved, from our text today, that is possible. And I pronounce it upon us all.
I. Partners In Ministry (2 Kings 4: 8 – 10)
A well-to do woman in Shunem
Made herself available for ministry support
Her hospitality for the prophet
Lessons:
Some individuals will be volitionally involved in the support of gospel work
She was not even approached, she discovered a need and had it met rather than being pursued and pressurized
There’s a reason why she was rich in material blessings. Some people will need to make available their God-given material blessings in order to take care
of spiritual ministries. And that can be you.
II. Sowed To Blessing ( 2 Kings 4:13)
Note the word: “You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?”
What Is the trouble (the Sowing)?
1. Identifying the man of God
2. Invitation to her home
3. Provision of accommodation
4. Continual provision of food and comfort
Note the word also: “What can be done for you”. Anytime you do something for God you are bound to receive something from Him
Beloved, we are called to be grateful. The man of God acknowledged the services of the woman, which he felt must never go unrewarded (Read Acts 28: 7 – 10)
III. The Woman’s Blessing (2 Kings 4:16 – 17)
Note the word, “But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time, she gave birth to a son,” v. 17.
All the while, she had no child of hers, yet, she was serving God through the Prophet.
Her own lack was a child, which she got – that’s a miracle
You’ll get yours.
I discovered, anybody can receive a miracle, if anybody, then, as a child of God you are due one (on more)
How?
Sow a seed
Show concern for the things of God
Desire His kingdom to flourish
Note: The woman was not a preacher, she was only a supporter
The prophet requested for what could be done for her. Although rich, she needed a child and she got one
Allow God to bless you too
Win souls for Christ
See the key (John 15: 7, 16)
John. 15: 16
Serve God gladly
- this woman did
- Esther did
- Joseph did
- Mary & Martha did
- Dorcas did
Submit your possessions for God’s use
Be faithful in giving
Support projects, visions and ministries
Don’t wait to be told
William Carey “Attempt great things for God, expect great things from Him”.
But, be sure you are born-again
You know why?
Eccl. 2:26
Your gifts don’t matter to God until your life is in Him
Let the things of God be your priority and God will fight for you on all grounds.
That way, you are not just blessed, you are a blessing.