by Abbie Tippie

If there’s one thing I love to do, it’s having people over to my house to share a meal together! The more people, the better. Sure, most of the time, I invite friends and people I know pretty well over to eat. Every once in a while, I venture out and invite strangers or new friends over too. There’s just something about sharing a meal together and good food that allows you to get to know someone just a little bit better. The woman in 2 Kings 4 went above and beyond just inviting Elisha over for a quick bite to eat. Instead, Elisha became a regular at her place whenever he was in town. Not only did she open her kitchen to him, she decided to make an extra room for him to stay whenever he wanted. Talk about sharing some good ol’ Shuenum hospitality!

One characteristic that really stands about this woman is the warm welcome she bestows as evidenced by her pure heart. Her nature is to give generously, without expecting or desiring anything in return. When Elisha asks what can be done for her, she answers that she is in need of nothing (verse 13). “My family takes good care of me” (NLT); “I’m secure and satisfied in my family” (The Message). The woman is content in who she is and serves Elisha in the way she knows best. Because of the woman’s kindness toward Elisha, we see how God blesses her with a son out of His own goodness and love. God’s blessing in this woman’s life occurs not because He had to, but because He chose to.

Dear God, help me to be like the woman in 2 Kings 4 – always serving others without ever expecting anything in return. May I view whatever resources I have not as personal possessions that are solely mine, but as something to be shared with others. May I be flexible with my time and schedule to be available to others’ needs, whenever they arise.

Your fellow traveler,
Abbie