2 Kings 4 Elisha’s Greatest Hits Pt 1

We get to share several stories of Elisha’s greatest hits. He was open to helping out when asked. A people’s prophet.

Elisha had a heart for people. They came to him when they were in trouble and he helped. No where else in scripture do we see a prophet doing such acts for so many people. This doesn’t mean that other prophets didn’t help people out like this, but I believe he became known for this and that drew even more people to him.

I’m pretty sure that these are not the only works of Elisha, but they stick out enough that the Holy Spirit had them placed in this historical record for us. Most of these stories are short and I’m challenged in weaving them into a story like I have been using. I’m going to have to rely heavily on the Spirit to help me with this story. Let’s jump in and see where He takes us.

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Elisha is finding life different that what it was like when he walked with Elijah. Elijah was often called to speak to officials, like the king. He didn’t have a lot of regular people coming to him for help. Maybe they were afraid of him. Elisha really doesn’t know, and he doesn’t have time to sit and think about it. He is busy helping those who come to him in need.

Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t approach Elisha and ask for his advice, a blessing, or assistance. He is becoming used to it and grateful to the Lord for allowing him to be a blessing to others; especially in this land where most of the people have abandoned the Lord. With each encounter, he is able to share God’s word and His love.

Elisha rises each morning and asks the Lord to use him to help someone that day. Today is no different. Elisha rises from his bed and stretches his back with gentle twists in each direction. Then he gets down on his knees and greets the day by greeting the Lord.

“Lord God of my fathers. Thank You for another day to spread Your word and Your love. Give me wisdom and strength to meet the challenges of today. Help me demonstrate Your love to those I meet.”

After concluding his prayer, Elisha eats his usual breakfast and then leaves his house to see what the day holds.

He does not know it yet, but the wife of one of the prophets he worked closely with will seek his help. Her husband died two weeks ago and she is in trouble.

She has been waiting for this opportunity. There was an unwelcome visitor at her home late yesterday evening. He said that he was one of her husband’s creditors and he had come to collect what was owed him. She gave him every last shilling she had and everything of value in her home. But he claimed it wasn’t enough.

“I will be back at the end of the week to take the children as payment for the debt.”

She clutched her children to her tightly as the man walked away laughing. This morning she is determined to speak with Elisha and ask him for help. She sees him walking in the street and rushes over to him. When she gets near him, she falls on her knees in front of him.

Elisha stops walking and gives her his full attention. “What troubles you good woman?”

“Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves” (2 Kings 4:1).

Elisha knows well the man she is speaking of. He had seen her with him several times. Elisha knows also that she was a good and faithful wife to him until the day of his death. He asks; “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” (2 Kings 4:2a).

She thinks over Elisha’s question. Since the creditor’s visit last night, she has next to nothing. Then she remembers the one thing that she does have. “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil” (2 Kings 4:2b).

Now it’s Elisha’s turn to think. He doesn’t have to think long before the Spirit plants in his spirit an answer to her need. “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside” (2 Kings 4:3-4).

She doesn’t ask Elisha how this will help. She simply does exactly as she is instructed. All morning she goes from one neighbor’s house to another’s.

“Please, I beg of you, do you have any empty jars I can borrow?”

Most of her neighbors know her and her situation. They don’t understand her request for empty jars, but whatever they can do to help, they willingly do. Her neighbors are as generous as they can be. Each time she receives any jars, she brings them back to her home and then goes to the next house. By the time the sun is at its highest in the sky, she has so many jars that they cover nearly all of her floors.

“The man of God said not to get a ‘few’. I’m pretty sure this qualifies.”

She calls her children to her and quietly shuts the door behind them.

“I’m going to need your help. I’m going to begin pouring oil into these jars. As one is filled, bring me another. Careful not to spill any or break any jars.”

“Where are you going to get the oil to fill all these jars” her youngest son asks.

“The Lord will provide” she says while clutching her small oil jar to her breast.

Her oldest son sets a jar at her feet. She takes a deep breath, then tips her oil jar over the mouth of the bigger jar. From her small jar, begins to flow the purest and best smelling oil she has ever seen. Her children stand there with their mouths hanging open as oil continues to flow from her jar. When the oil reaches nearly to the top of the jar she is pouring it into, she calls out; “Bring me another vessel” (2 Kings 4:6a). Her youngest retrieves one as her eldest moves the full jar out of the way.

This process happens over, and over, and over again in this tiny home. The children have more than once tried to peek into the mouth of their Ima’s oil jar to figure out where all this oil is coming from, but they can’t see anything from their angle. They keep bringing jars and setting full ones aside until her youngest son announces; “There is not another” (2 Kings 4:6b).

At his words, she tips her vessel fully upright. She wipes an arm across her brow and breathes a tired sigh. She looks around her and sees all the jars, filled to the top with precious oil. She pats her oil jar again. Her youngest son tugs on her arm holding the jar until she lowers it to his hands. He puts his eye right over the mouth of the jar. Still he can see nothing that explains what has just happened. His Ima ruffles his hair as he inspects the jar. Finally, he hands it back to his Ima.

It’s late in the evening. She does not expect that Elisha will still be out at this hour. She knows where he lives though. She wrestles with disturbing him, but gives in to her excitement.

“You boys wait here. I am going to the prophet Elisha’s home. I will return shortly. Keep the door shut and don’t open it for anyone but me.”

Her boys nod and she grabs her shawl. She drapes it over her head and wraps it around her shoulders and neck as she heads out the door. As soon as her feet have left the threshold, she hears the door of her home close and the bolt being thrown. “Good boys” she says to herself as she makes her way to Elisha’s home.

Elisha hears rattling of his gate. He lays down his fork and goes to see who it is. He is pleased to see the woman from this morning. She looks happy and nervous at the same time. The sparkle in her eye and the bounce in her stance speak of her happiness, where her fidgeting hands speak of her nervousness.

“How may I help you good woman.”

“I am sorry to disturb you so late, but I have done as you instructed. I have filled so many jars that I have lost count!

Elisha smiles at her. He is pleased with her obedience and faith. “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest” (2 Kings 4:7).

“Thank you, my lord. I will do that right away! Thank you. Thank you.” She continues to call out “Thank you” over her shoulder until she can no longer see Elisha standing by his gate.

When morning comes, she brings one of the jars out of the house. After stepping outside, she bars the door before picking up the jar and heading to the market. When she arrives, she has no trouble at all locating a merchant who inspects and purchases her oil. As he is counting out coins to her, she makes an announcement that leaves him breathless.

“I have more, if you are interested in purchasing more.”

“Oil of this same quality?”

“Yes. Brought forth at the same time.” She carefully worded her answer so as not to lie, not disclose where the oil came from.

“I would be most interested. How much do you have.”

“At least another five jars.” Here again, her answer is carefully worded. She wants to keep the price high, and selling all she has right now might bring the price down.

“I will take all five and I can come and pick it up from your store house so you won’t have to carry it all the way here.”

She nods. That would be appreciated. She tells the merchant where she lives, then hurries home to get five more jars ready for the merchant. She brings them outside the house so the man won’t be able to see her stock.

The money received from the merchant is enough to satisfy her husband’s creditors. She can slowly dispense with the rest of the oil. She will have to make sure she has it all sold before any of it can go rancid though. She and her sons will be able to live without fear from now on.

Elisha travels a lot in his ministry. His sandals are always on the move. He loves walking through the country and ministering to the people as he goes. One drawback to that is having to carry food and water everywhere he goes. It ties up his hands and slows down his walk.

One day, he makes his way to Shunem. There are people here that he will minister to. In this same town there is a wealthy woman and her husband. They are a childless couple, but have learned to accept their place as such. The husband, Timothy, tends their fields and vineyards. The wife, Dina, loves to help people, especially those who love the Lord and do His work.

While Elisha is in town this day, Dina notices him. She doesn’t really know him, but he is busy helping those who are around him. One child approached him with filthy hands and face, and a visibly empty stomach. His ribs are showing through his tattered tunic. Elisha sees him and bends down to his level. She can’t pry her eyes off him as he begins to interact with this little street urchin.

“Shalom little one. Where is your Ima or Abba?”

“I don’ts got one” he replies while wiping his nose with the back of his arm.

“Are you hungry?”

A vigorous nod ensues.

Elisha smiles and brings out his water skin. “I will share what I have with you, but before we eat, we must wash our hands and faces.”

The little boy looks at him with fear in his eyes, not knowing what to expect. Elisha gently takes his hand and leads him over to a large stone. They sit together on the stone.

“Here. Let me show you how.”

Elisha uncorks his water skin and pours a little water into his hand. Then he rubs them together to wash all the dust off. Then he pours a little more into his hand and brings it to his face and scrubs his hands over his face to wash away any dirt. The little boy watches with curiosity. Elisha finishes by flinging the water from his hands to dry them.

“Now it’s your turn. Can I help you a little? I have a rag here that is holding my bread. I could put some water on it to wash your face.”

The little boy leans away from Elisha. “Here. Let me show you again how it’s done.” Elisha puts a little water on the cloth and wipes it on his face. “See. That didn’t hurt one bit. Now your turn.”

The little boy holds his hands out so Elisha can pour water into them. Then he starts rubbing them together. Elisha adds a little more water, until the boys hands are relatively clean.

“Now for the face. Can I wash your face for you? It’s hard to see where all the dirt is on our own face, but someone helping us can see it all and help us get clean. Did I miss any dirt on my face? Can you check for me?”

“There is a spot” the little boy says.

Elisha hands him the cloth. “Would you wash it off for me please?”

The little boy smiles a big toothy smile and washes the spot of dirt from Elisha’s face. Once he is finished, he hands the rag back to Elisha and sits still so Elisha can clean his face. Elisha talks gently with him as he cleans his face.

“There. All done” announces Elisha.

Elisha then hands the boy his bread. “I’m not very hungry today. You can have my part too. I do have a few figs that I might eat one of. Would you like to have some of them too?”

More vigorous nodding ensues and the boy’s eyes light up. Elisha laughs and brings out the figs. He takes one and hands the bag to the little boy. He sits with him quietly as the boy gobbles down every morsel of Elisha’s meal. Elisha even gives him his water skin to wash down his lunch. After the last bite is consumed the boy looks at Elisha with questioning eyes.

Elisha shrugs his shoulders and holds out his hands. “I don’t have any more. I’m sorry.”

The boy wraps his arms around Elisha and hugs him tightly, smearing the juice from his figs on Elisha’s tunic. When he releases Elisha, he jumps up and runs across the square. He stops on the other side to wave before darting off into the city.

Dina stayed where she was and watched it all. There are tears of joy in her eyes. “I must meet this man and minister to him as well” she tells herself.

She pushes out from the doorway that offered her concealment so she could observe the love played out in front of her. She steps over to where Elisha is still sitting on the stone. When she gets near him, she bows to the ground.

Elisha looks over at her and smiles. “Shalom daughter. How may I help you this fine day?”

“It is I who would like to offer you help, my lord. I would be most honored if you would come into my home and accept a meal. I noticed that you gave your meal to that young boy. I want to repay that kindness.”

“Thank you for your generosity, but it is not necessary. I can purchase something for myself in the market.”

“Please, I beg of you. Allow me to honor the Lord our God by honoring you. For I know by your actions that you are a man of God.”

“In that case, I will accept your offer as an offering to the Lord.”

Dina and Elisha walk to her home where they are met at the door by a servant. It is not unusual for Dina to bring home someone in need, but this man looks different. He is not in need. In fact, he exudes love and strength from his eyes and how he treats the mistress.

“Did you enjoy your walk, mistress” asks the servant as he bows.

“I did. And I brought a friend home for a good meal. He is a man of God, so treat him with respect.”

“I endeavor to treat all your guests with respect, mistress.”

“I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. I simply feel he deserves a little more respect than anyone I have ever brought through my door.”

“Then I will show it to him, mistress. If you would care to sit, I will wash your feet” the servant says to Elisha while bowing before him.

“That would be most refreshing, but not necessary” replies Elisha.

“The fact that it would be refreshing makes it necessary, O man of God” replies the servant.

Elisha graciously sits while the servant gathers supplies and then washes Elisha’s feet with expert care. When he is finished, he bows again as he leaves with the basin. Elisha thanks him as he is retreating into the house.

Once his feet are clean, Elisha accompanies Dina into the house where a table has already been set. It is not a lavish meal but it is delicious. A savory stew, bread, figs, and wine await him.

Elisha and Dina have not exchanged names as of yet. After finishing his meal, Elisha feels duty bound to disclose his identity. Neither had felt a pressing need to disclose their identity thus far.

“Thank you for the meal. You are most gracious. Especially to a man you do not know. I am Elisha.”

“THE Elisha? The prophet who traveled with Elijah the prophet?”

“The very same” Elisha says with a bit of color on his cheeks.

“My name is Dina and I often bring people home to minister to them. But you are the most honored guest I have ever brought to my home. Please, let there be a standing invitation to you whenever you pass this way, to stop by for a meal.”

“That is not necessary.”

“I know. But it would give me great pleasure if you would accept. As well as it being a way that I may honor the Lord in this godless land.”

“In that case, I accept.”

Elisha bids her farewell and goes back to his work. Dina watches him until he is out of sight. She has quite the story to share with her husband tonight.

Over the years, Elisha began taking a special servant along with him on his travels. Dina had welcomed Elisha’s servant as warmly as Elisha himself. As they moved back and forth in his ministry, whenever they passed by Shumem, they would stop in for a meal. It became something they both looked forward to on their journeys. Dina’s kindness was like an oasis in the desert. A place Elisha knew he could always find rest.

After one of Elisha’s visits, Dina started thinking about Elisha and his traveling. “He could reach so many more people if he had a place to rest along the way. If he had a room here, he could use it as a second home and base” she reasoned. That very evening, she brought it up with her husband.

“Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there” (2 Kings 4:9-10).

“This is a good plan. Do as you have said and offer it to him.”

Dina begins the process the very next morning. She finds builders to construct the room. After the room is ready, she goes out looking for furnishings. “I know he is a humble man, so the furniture must reflect this” she tells the shop keeper who is helping her. She finds the perfect pieces and has them brought to her house and carried into the new room.

She takes one final look around the room. Everything is perfect. Even the curtains on the window are perfect for Elisha’s use. Dina closes and locks the door and descends the outer stairs and goes into her home. She is excited for Elisha’s next visit. She will present him with the key at that time.

Dina doesn’t have to wait long. Elisha and his servant show up at her home three days later for their usual bowl of savory stew and bread. When Dina sees them approaching, she retrieves the key and meets them on the porch.

“Shalom Dina.”

“Shalom Elisha, prophet of God.”

“You know that you don’t always have to be so formal. Elisha will do.”

“I know, but I can’t help myself.” She smiles. “I have something for you today too.”

She leads Elisha around the side of the house and up the stairs. Then she unlocks the door and stands to one side so Elisha may enter. Elisha steps in and looks around appreciatively. It is a very nice room.

“Why are you showing me this” he asks.

“Because it is yours. You may come and go as you like. Anytime you have need of it, all you have to do is use this key and open it.” With that she hands Elisha the key.

“This is the most generous. Thank you Dina.”

With that, Dina does a quick bow and goes back down the stairs. When she sees Elisha’s servant standing by the foot of the stairs she says; “Why don’t you go up and join your master. You will find rest here as well.”

Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, bows his head to Dina. He waits until she is back in her house before going up the stairs. He stops at the door of the room and looks around. Elisha is walking around the room, looking at the things Dina thought to put there for him. One surprising gift is parchment, quill and ink. He never told Dina that he likes to write. Maybe the Lord showed her.

Elisha looks up and sees Gehazi standing at the door. “Come in my son. See what the Lord has provided through the hand of Dina the Shunamite and her husband.”

“It is a wonderful room my father. A most welcome gift for the long days.”

“Most definitely.”

At that moment, Gehazi’s stomach lets out a deep rumble. “I hear your stomach thinking of the savory stew instead of a comfortable bed. Why don’t you go down and enjoy a bowl of stew. I am now hungry right now. I would like to lie down and rest for a bit.”

“As you wish my father.”

Gehazi goes down and receives just as warm a welcome at the table as Elisha himself receives. “My master said that he would like to rest right now. I think the bed is calling to him” he says with a smile.

After eating, Gehazi waited outside at the top of the stairs until he heard Elisha stirring. When Elisha is certainly awake, Gehazi knocks softly on the door and enters.

“Did you sleep well my father?”

“That I did.” After a minute, Elisha says; “Call this Shunammite” (2 Kings 4:12).

Gehazi bows and then goes to find Dina. “My master would like to see you please.”

“Where is he?”

“Still in the wonderful room you prepared for him.”

“I will go right now.”

Dina and Gehazi make their way up the stairs. Gehazi enters the room first and Dina stops just inside the doorway. Elisha is overly formal in his address to Dina. For the first time, he speaks to her through Gehazi. He wants this exchange to have the honor it is due.

“Say now to her, ‘See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?’” (2 Kings 4:13a).

Dina ducks her head. “I dwell among my own people” (2 Kings 4:13b).

Elisha’s face falls. He has no idea what to give her. Dina turns and starts down the stairs. Elisha begins discussing what to do for Dina with Gehazi. He realizes now that he should have done this first, but better late than never.

“What then is to be done for her?” (2 Kings 4:14a) asks Elisha.

Gehazi, the always observant one answers, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old” (2 Kings 4:14b).

Elisha’s eyes light up! This is the perfect gift for such a gracious lady. “Call her” (2 Kings 4:15).

Gehazi steps to the top of the staircase and calls out to Dina who has just hit the bottom stair. “My master wishes to see you again.”

Dina turns and goes back up the stairs. She stops at the threshold and waits for Elisha to speak.

“At this season, about this time next year, you shall embrace a son” (2 Kings 4:16).

“No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant” (2 Kings 4:16). Great wracking sobs break forth from her mouth as she turns and charges down the stairs. She has longed for a child, but the Lord has given her none. She has resigned herself to this fate, but even the mention of the possibility tears open the old wounds.

Elisha and Gehazi watch her retreat down the stairs. They nod in unison. This is the perfect gift for all she has done for them. Dina does not emerge from her room until after Elisha has left.

The next time Elisha visits his room, Dina is three months pregnant. She says nothing at this time for fear of losing the child and having to go through the pain all over again. She does however welcome Elisha and Gehazi warmly and provide their favorite meal. After a night the two family/guests leave.

Elisha comes two more times before the joyous day when Dina delivers her son. She was afraid to even speak of her pregnancy until her child was safely in her arms. And she is a wonderful Ima. She dotes on her son and gladly introduces him to Elisha when he next visits.

“O man of God! This is the son you promised me. I was afraid to believe it, but here he is in my arms.”

“And he is a gift from the Lord for all you have given in His name. Cherish him as I cherish you.”

“Oh I WILL!”

Five years go by with Dina enjoying every moment with her son. Elisha’s visits continue and her son is growing into a strong young boy.

One day, while he is out with his Abba in the field, watching the reapers, he leans against his Abba’s leg and begins holding his head. The pain is fierce and he begins crying out; “Oh, my head, my head!” (2 Kings 4:19a).

His abba looks down at him and notices that he doen’t look well. He cannot leave right now with the reapers in the field. He has to stay, but his child needs his ima. He calls one of the servants over. “Carry him to his mother” (2 Kings 4:19b).

The servant picks up the boy and hurries to the house. Dina sees him coming, carrying something. She doesn’t know what it is until he is very near the house. She runs out to meet the servant in the field. She reaches out to take her son who is lying in his arms limp. The servant pulls back. “I will carry him into the house for you mistress. Then I will put him in your lap. He is too heavy for you to walk with.”

Dina nods and makes her way quickly to the house. The servant is only steps behind her. Once she is seated, he gently lays her son in her lap. He steps back, not knowing what to do, until Dina sees him. “We will be alright now. You can return to my husband.”

“Yes mistress” he answers and quickly leaves.

Dina sits her son up in her lap and lays his head against her breast. She sits with him like this rest of the morning. He occasionally cries out in pain or whimpers. Once, he opened one eye but she doesn’t know if he even saw her then. She continues to hold him and sooth him. She doesn’t know what else to do. She tries praying, but feels as if there is a wall between her and the Lord. Her prayers hit it and bounce off.

About noon, Dina feels a shift in her son. He is no longer making any sounds and he is completely limp. Even his bladder releases and Dina feels the wetness against her legs. She puts her ear to his mouth to feel for his breath. She feels nothing. She places her ear against his back and does not hear his heart beating within his chest. She knows at that moment that her son is dead.

Every fiber of her being wants to cry out in pain and join her son, but she doesn’t. With all the faith she can muster, she stands up, walks out the front door, carries her son up to Elisha’s room and lays him on his bed. “If anyone can help you now, it is the man of God. I will go to him” she tells her son as she kisses his forehead.

Dina turns and walks from the room, shutting the door behind her. She hurries downstairs and changes her soiled clothing and sends a servant out to her husband in the field.

“Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again” (2 Kings 4:22).

Her husband hurries in from the field with the servant, fearing that her urgent request might have something to do with their son. He doesn’t want to say the words outright, so he asks her in a round about way.

“Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath” (2 Kings 4:23).

Dina pats him on the cheek and says; “All is well” (2 Kings 4:23b).

Dina then hurries out the door and helps saddle the donkey. She tells her servant; “Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you” (2 Kings 4:24).

The servant runs beside the donkey urging him on while Dina bounces around on his back. She locks her hands firmly on the saddle and holds on for dear life. She doesn’t care about comfort right now. She has to reach the man of God on Mount Carmel.

Elisha sees the pair approaching. His eyes make out Dina and by the speed of her donkey, he knows that something is up. He turns to Gehazi.

“Look, there is the Shunammite. ²⁶ Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” (2 Kings 4: 25b-26a).

Gehazi runs toward the pair but their pace doesn’t slacken a bit. Gehazi runs beside Dina and asks her if she is well, and her husband, and her child. Through gritted teeth, Dinah answers him; “All is well” (2 Kings 4:26b).

Even with this answer, she does not allow the servant to slacken the pace. Gehazi is forced to run along beside her as well. She does not call for a halt until they are nearly at Elisha. Dina jumps from her donkey and runs over to Elisha. She falls down at his feet and grabs hold of them.

Gehazi is concerned by her behavior and is about to push her away when Elisha stops him with a word. “Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me” (2 Kings 4:27b).

Dina finally breaks her silence. But she cannot bring herself to say the words that are ripping at her heart; that her son is dead. Instead, she says words that she prays the man of God will understand. “Did I ask my lord for a son? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me?’” (2 Kings 4:28).

Elisha does understand immediately! He turns to Gehazi; “Tie up your garment and take my staff in your hand and go. If you meet anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not reply. And lay my staff on the face of the child” (2 Kings 4:29).

Gehazi turns to go and Dina says to Elisha; “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you” (2 Kings 4:30).

Elisha sees the determination in her eyes and he gets up to follow her. Dina once again mounts her donkey and her servant encourages it to run as fast as possible. Elisha runs alongside her and the donkey. Gehazi, not encumbered by the donkey’s speed, sprints on ahead.

As soon as Gehazi reaches the home, he goes straight for the upper room. He doesn’t have an explanation as to why, but he goes where his heart takes him. When he opens the door, he sees the boy lying on Elisha’s bead. He walks over and feels no breath and hears no heartbeat. He lays Elisha’s staff on his face anyway. Nothing happens. He tries again with the same result. In defeat, he turns and exits the room. As he makes his way down the stairs, Elisha, Dina and the servant arrive in the yard. Gehazi goes directly to Elisha.

“The child has not awakened” (2 Kings 4:31).

Elisha pushes past Gehazi and rushes up the stairs. He bursts into the room and sees the boy lying on his bed, dead. Elisha turns and shuts the door and bolts it. It is just the two of them in the room.

Elisha began calling out to the Lord. “Lord God of all creation! You gave this woman this precious gift of a son. She did not ask for a son, but You knew the desire of her hear and revealed it to me. Do not take this gift from her. She has blessed You and Your people in so many ways. Bring life back to this child.”

Elisha lays down on top of the boy. Eyes to eyes, mouth to mouth, hand to hand. He lays there, simply sharing his breath and body heat with the child, until he feels the boy’s flesh begin to warm.

When Elisha feels the warmth, he stands up and begins pacing and praying again. “Thank You Lord God for listening to my prayers and that of this boy’s mother. Complete the work You have started in him. Restore him to full health.”

Elisha stretches out on the boy again, just as before. After a moment, the child begins to sneeze. Elisha pulls back and the child sneezes seven times in all and then opens his eyes. He recognizes Elisha right away and he smiles at him.

Elisha goes to the door and finds Gehazi waiting at the top of the stairs. “Call this Shunammite” (2 Kings 4:36a).

Gehazi quickly descends the stairs and finds Dina sitting on the porch. She is perched on the edge of her seat, ready to spring at any moment. “My master calls for you mistress.”

Dinah jumps up and runs up the stairs. She comes into the room and Elisha says to her; “Pick up your son” (2 Kings 4:36b).

Instead of rushing to her son, she falls to the ground at Elisha’s feet for a moment. Elisha reaches out a hand and touches the her. She raises up, turns, and falls just as thankfully onto her son. She then scoops him up and takes him downstairs where his Abba waits.

Dina and Timothy wrap their son is a fierce hug. Their son, not understanding all the tears begins to pat his parents’ heads and comfort them. “All is well” as he has heard his mother say to him over the years.

Dina lifts her head and places her forehead against her sons and says; “Yes, it is. All is well.”

Elisha and Gehazi continue to visit the Shunamite family for many years to come. And they get to see the miracle child grow in stature, wisdom and strength.

(to be continued)

I’m sorry, but I have to stop here. We will see more of Elisha’s Greatest Hits tomorrow. I truly worried about not being able to add anything of value to the story the Lord originally told us. I believe His Spirit put that fear to rest. I won’t promise that this is exactly what happened in these relationships, but I will say that I felt the hand of inspiration on me as I told these stories. I hope they bless you as much as they bless me.

Did you notice the Shunamite woman’s faith? She told no one but Elisha of her need. Even when she told Elisha, she didn’t use the words that her mind was surely screaming at her as she raced across the land. “The boy is dead! What is this going to accomplish?”

Instead, she held onto the hope that, the Lord gave her this child in the first place, and surely He wouldn’t take him back from her so cruelly. “SHUT UP MIND! I’M TRUSTING IN THE LORD!”

Father God, I’m facing challenges to my faith. I KNOW in my heart that You are not going to take my husband from me. I have that peace. But I don’t know what his life will look like from now on. Whatever it is, I PRAISE YOU for each moment of it! I’m on my donkey riding my hardest towards Your feet. You know what my heart’s desire is. And You know his. I’m leaving the words unsaid, just as she did. Not because I’m afraid to say them, but because You know my heart even better than I do.