Oil Poured Forth

A widow struggled to meet financial obligations after her husband’s death. Finally, she had nothing left to her name but a jar of oil and she was about to lose her children—creditors demanded they be turned over as slaves to pay her debts.

But the prophet of God named Elisha had a word for the widow. He told her to borrow as many vessels as she could. Then he told her to shut the door upon yourself and your sons, and pour into all these vessels . . . Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.” (II Kings 4:4b, 7b RSV)

She obeyed God’s Word through His servant Elisha. As she poured her small amount of oil into the many vessels, the oil increased and she filled every one of the vessels she had borrowed. God gave the widow a miracle and supplied all her needs.

Our resources might also be small. But when our inner life is poured forth—lived in response to God and His Word—He brings an increase. Current needs will be met and we will be able to live on the rest.

Originally published July 31, 1981.

"Abba, Father"

The father image of God has come under attack in recent years—perhaps because the father image itself has come under attack. It has deteriorated. Macho doesn’t usually blend well with tender love.

But the relationship of father to child is often portrayed tenderly in the Bible. Children were answers to the patriarch’s prayers. Even Jacob—who, admittedly, played favorites—demonstrated loving relationships with each of his children.

In the Old Testament, the prophets portray a positive father image. Elisha cried, My father! My father! when he saw a chariot of fire snatch his teacher. (II Kings 2:12 NIV)

Jesus always addressed or referred to God as the Father who provided for every need.

And Paul wrote, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Rom. 8:15)

Sonship and fatherhood are good things.

Originally published May 17, 1985.
Picture: Fern-leaf Peonies with Creeping Phlox foreground, Patty's Garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

He Had to Humbly Submit

Everyone is important in the eyes of God, but people long to feel or experience the value they have in Christ. And they can. Although Satan tries to destroy people, God knows how to honor the humble—and humble the honored—without destroying the self-esteem of either.

This happened to a little, unnamed slave girl and her master.

The master was Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Under normal conditions he might scarcely have noticed the young member of his household. But he had a great need—he was afflicted with leprosy—so he listened to her message: “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria!” she said. “For he would heal him of his leprosy.” (II Kings 5:3 NKJV)

However, when Naaman pursued miraculous healing he discovered that God’s power didn’t respond to someone because of position or wealth. Instead, he had to humbly submit to instructions from an obscure servant of God. He was told to dip his body in the Jordan River. And when he obeyed, his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child. . . . (v. 14)

Although Naaman’s ego was punctured, he did not doubt his value before God. Neither did the little girl who launched him on his journey.

Originally published October 18, 1991.

Picture: Flowers in Como Park Conservatory, 2008. Photo by Solveig.