Don’t ask for just a few.

Posted June 20th, 2008 by Jen in religion

I just read an encouraging story of miraculous provision from the hand of God. It’s from my daily Bible reading, and is found in 2 Kings 4:1-7. There is a widow - her husband was a prophet under Elisha. She is desperate because with her husband now dead, and no way to continue payments of his debts, the creditor is making unreasonable and egregious claims for his compensation. He is coming to take away her two sons to be slaves. Aren’t you glad we have laws against this?

She turns to the prophet Elisha in her distress, and he gives her some unusual advice - well, for an Old Testament prophet, it’s not at all unusual, those were some veeerrry interesting fellows. Upon discovering that all she has in her entire house, her whole earthly belongings, is a little bit of oil, Elisha directs her:

Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”

Enter the miracle. She follows his directions precisely, right down to the shutting of the door. The widow pours and pours into the many jars. Son, give me another jar, she said. Sorry, Mom, that was the last one, says he. Then comes the stunning end of verse 6: “Then the oil stopped flowing.”

God provided exactly what she needed. The moment the jars ran out, the oil stopped. She could sell the oil, pay the debts and have enough left over for her and her sons to live on. This story truly sends shivers up my spine. It can be difficult to ask for help, especially for a lot of help. I can imagine perhaps the widow had to set aside her pride and her tendency to say, “neighbor, can I have just a few?” If this was me, that’s what would have happened. But I’m picturing the joy of the entire village, as each member had given much to this family, and they all get to rejoice in the immense provision.

What a life lesson! Seek help from wise people, follow God’s precise instructions even if they don’t make sense, and watch the blessings flow. He cares for you.

10 Responses

  1. David Porter June 20th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

    Wonderful lesson! Thanks!

  2. Jen June 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

    David, thank you. I just had another thought about this - all of her neighbors with their empty jars - they probably were not in dire need of their empty jars, and maybe they were just sitting collecting dust. It’s neat how God can take something that’s seemingly unimportant, unnecessary, and under-used, like all those empty jars, and put them to use as vessels of a miracle, literally bringing freedom to the captive and restoring life to the destitute.

  3. Sheila June 20th, 2008 at 7:03 pm

    Jen, This is a story God uses often to speak to my heart about pouring out what I have (a little oil- His annointing, His touch of grace in my life) into those “empty vessels” in all my neighbors whenever my ministry to my own children brings me oppurtunity to pour out into others. He continues to use this story to help me believe that it’s in those times when I feel barren and empty, if I’ll just pour out the grace of life He’s poured into me, He’ll give me all I need.

    It’s one of my favorite stories!

    I like what you said in your comment, “It’s neat how God can take something that’s seemingly unimportant, unnecessary, and under-used…and put them to use as vessels of a miracle…” SO TRUE!

    Sheila

  4. Jen June 20th, 2008 at 8:54 pm

    Sheila, I love your thoughts on this! I like the image of you pouring the oil of annointing that the Holy Spirit has given you into the lives of others who are in need of His touch. There is such a theme in the Bible about one being given just enough, just the right amount and no more - I think so that we don’t forget the source!

  5. Tipper June 21st, 2008 at 4:16 am

    Another thing I thought of-you know all the neighbors were talking about why she needed all those jars. I always liked this story. And I seem to need to be reminded about God’s blessings lately-so thank you!

  6. Beckynsc June 21st, 2008 at 5:47 am

    Awesome post!
    Thanks!

  7. Jen June 21st, 2008 at 12:10 pm

    Tipper, funny point about the neighbors. And how would they feel if perhaps they later found themselves in a position of buying her oil in their old jars?!

    Becky, I’m glad you enjoyed this.

    One more thought. Oil typically represents the Holy Spirit, as Sheila pointed out. This story is an amazing Old Testament foretelling of the coming Holy Spirit (told about in the book of Acts), and as each one (empty jar) comes, he/she is filled, and our debts are paid (sins are fogiven), and our slavery is ended. Not only that, but just as there was security for the woman and her sons even after the debts were paid, so it is with us - we have the Holy Spirit continually equipping us and daily bringing new life as our helper, educator, guide, convicter, empowerer.

  8. Jane June 21st, 2008 at 12:11 pm

    This is a good story to ponder on and remember- during our times of need and when we are called upon to help others. How many times do we think “sure, I’d like to help, but all I have to offer is too little.” That is not for us to worry about- God will take care of the rest. He just asks us to be obedient.

  9. Jen June 21st, 2008 at 7:45 pm

    Jane, good point. The widow herself at first said she had nothing. Oh, except a little oil. She had no idea. The nothing that she had, the so little that she had, would be used for miraculous provision.

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