Future Suture.

One day Elisha came for a visit; he went into the upper room and rested. He told his servant Gehazi, “Ask the Shunammite woman to come here.” So he did so and she came to him. Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tell her, ‘Look, you have treated us with such great respect. What can I do for you? Can I put in a good word for you with the king or the commander of the army?’” She replied, “I’m quite secure.” So he asked Gehazi, “What can I do for her?” Gehazi replied, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” (Second Kings 4:11-14)

During this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Joy brought out the paradox of the Shunammite woman's plight. While the Scripture describes the Shunammite as a well-to-do woman, and the Shunammite herself gave a testimony of not needing anything (Second Kings 4:13, 4:28), Elisha's servant noted a critical challenge: in a context where widows were dependent on their children, Gehazi reveals that the Shunammite had no children. In effect, she had no means of continuing support. Though her husband was alive, he was old. The woman's state of childlessness meant that she would experience, as Pastor Joy said, "no Social Security" to sustain her upon her husband's death.

Is that our situation? Do we tell God and the world, "I'm okay", when in fact there is an imminent pressing need? Are we allowing the prophetic community to have a role in preparing us for handling life's challenges?

Maybe you have enough money and resources, and you've determined that you don't need anything. And maybe that's true, for today. But I ask that you prayerfully consider the uncertainties of the future. God has given us ministry leaders who, like Elisha, have the authority to speak to powers. If you, like the Shunammite, have treated them with kindness and respect, then take the next step and allow your leaders to be a blessing to you.