9. She said to her husband, "I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 10. 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."
Our text implies the woman, and her husband were wealthy. They had means to provide for themselves and others. Of course, being wealthy is not a prerequisite for hospitality. It is evident she made available what she owned to God by making a room available for Elisha and possibly his servant. While many people show hospitality by providing meals, she had the desire to provide a self- contained room, reserved for Elisha as he was doing his work when he traveled. She furnished the room with a table, chair, and lamp. I am guessing she also arranged for his food while he stayed there.
Part of making provisions in helping those who serve the Lord is so others can be part of that ministry. As Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is there is your heart also.” We take special interest in the things we invest in directly.
I was well treated when traveling to churches in Russia to preach. One pastor gave his apartment for my use during the two weeks I was there. He and his family left for much smaller quarters despite my not wanting to inconvenience him. One man was asked to drive me around since so few in the church owned cars. Many homes were open to me for meals when we traveled. They felt they were part of the ministry and were happy to give.
When I hear of news about some of these countries, I pray for them and think about them, wondering how Christian friends in Russa are doing. I pray for those in Haiti who are going through violence in the country where Judi and I were hosted.
The involvement of this couple in the work of the Lord had an effect on their spiritual lives, not just because they are befriending Elisha, but they were participating in ways they can with his work. They see that as God’s work.
They saw Elisha was real in his faith and service for God. He was a man of integrity. He did not compromise his views when it was financially beneficial to him. He trusted in the provisions from God and received those blessings. We learn how God provided through the means of others. He blessed with resources. They also shared the blessings of ministry.
Those with a gift of hospitality have an attitude that says, “What is mine is yours.” They are happy to share. As they have freely received; they freely give in different ways.
Matt. 10:40-42 "He who received you receives me, and he who receives me received one who sent me. Anyone who received a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward and one who received a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And if anyone gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth he will certainly not lose his reward."
Prayer: Lord, who is it You would have me receive and serve today? May You Holy Spirit direct me today and always.
