Jesus said to do good and invite to our parties those who will not be able to return the favour. A gift with no string attached. We would be exploring a lady who gave such a gift in this 1st part of this 3 part series on the Shunammite woman.
In this study, the tools we would use for this study are
- Who, What, When, Where, and How tool
- What does it mean?
- How does it apply to me today?
So let’s dig in and turn the bible to 2 Kings 4: 8 – 13
8 One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. 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.”
11 One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there. 12 He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him. 13 Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’”
She replied, “I have a home among my own people.”
Who, What, When, Where, and How tool
A wealthy woman in Shunem noticed the plight of prophet Elisha
This unnamed woman was hospitable to Elisha and his servant.
She discussed with her husband in a way to meet the needs of prophet Elisha
Elisha was enjoying the benefits of the gift of hospitality provided by the Shunamite woman and her family.
He wanted to return the favour
He asked the Shunamite woman if there was a need he could help meet. The woman replied she was content with what she had.
What does (this passage ) mean?
This was a woman who noticed the plight of those around her. While being content with her life. She did not shut her eyes to the needs of those around her. She was caring and hospitable.
There was an openness between this woman and her husband. They both agreed to meet the needs of prophet Elisha. They gave the gift of accommodation to Elisha without expecting anything as a return or favour.
We sometimes think we have to give something for the gift we have received. When prophet Elisha did not receive a request for favour from this Shunamite, she asked what favour she received for the gift she had given.
The Shunamite woman was not being hospitable to prophet Elisha because of how he might be of assistance to her. Her gift of hospitality was with no string attached.
How does it apply to me today?
What is your statue when you give a gift? Is it really a gift or a way to curry favour?
When you give to God, do you demand He must give back to you because of your gift? Or do you presume your gift entitles you?
When you give to help others out, do you feel they owe you and must become obliged to your bedding?
While looking at the Shunamite woman, I can’t help but remember Cornelius in Acts 10. His gifts to the poor had no string attached. But he gave from the goodness of his heart to meet the needs of those around him. And God blessed him for that.
The shunamite gifts were with no strings attached. She didn’t demand or feel entitled but was blessed beyond her wildest dream.
When you give a gift, does it come with strings attached or not?