What Do You Have?

Posted On November 11, 2021

II Kings 4: 1-7; 4 Kingdoms 4: 1-7

Although it is still early in his prophetic ministry, Elisha has become aware of the many people who are beset with the burdens and anxieties of life. Furthermore, there are those who are unable to help themselves and some not knowing where to look for aid. As we will see in the passage before us – and in the present day – that number does not exclude those who have faithfully served the Lord and ministered to others.

The political situation in Israel remained unstable as Jehoram, the son of Ahab, persisted in the same ways as his fathers. Apparently, the sons of the prophets continued to speak for God as best they could, but their voices were too often smothered or ignored. It seems that Elisha now assumed a leadership role with them to contend with the ongoing spiritual wickedness in high places.

While he was in, or near, Samaria – the capital of Israel, the wife of one of the sons of the prophets approached Elisha in noticeable distress. “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves” (vs. 1). Evidently, her husband had left her with debts and, as a woman in that day, she would have to depend on her sons for any income. Further, they may not yet be old enough to work. She was overcome with a huge burden and understandable anxiety. Thank God, she turned to the servant of the Lord.

To hear God’s lesson for us from this story, we might approach it on two levels. First, from the perspective of the Church and, secondly, as individual Christians.

As in many other passages of Scripture, the women can be seen as a type of the Church and her husband as our Lord, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:25ff; Revelation 19:6ff). Yes, as strange as it may sound, Jesus left His Church in this world with a great debt. “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Those first apostles, and those who followed, were met with unthinkable resistance and death. The Church since then, because of jealousy, hostility and hatred within her adversaries, has been pressed with fear and anxiety. The blood of the martyrs and persecutions of the believers have provoked countless tears and continuous heartache for the Church throughout her history. The creditors (rulers and powers) in this world have sought to remove the sons (Christians) from their Mother by whatever means possible – even to this day.

Such, also, was the depth of the widow’s grief as she cried out to Elisha for help. For her husband had been taken from her and her responsibilities were intensified. Her strength was obviously waning and her hope was diminishing with every passing day. In a word, her life was rapidly becoming empty.

Elisha’s response was compassionate and calming – much like that of Jesus centuries later when distraught people came to Him. “What shall I do for you? (vs.2) Then, perhaps after a pause, he asked the question which opened the way to her relief … “What do you have in the house?” (vs.2). At first, she gave the obvious answer, “Nothing …”, (for by this time, she would have sold everything she had to pay the creditors and avoid losing her sons). However, after a thoughtful pause, she timidly remembered a small jar of oil. But what difference could that make?

This may remind us of the disciples’ answer when the Lord asked about feeding the huge crowd in Galilee. “There are five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many? (John 6:9) And we know well the rest of that story!

Elisha’s instruction that followed bears close attention. “Go and borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors – empty vessels, do not gather just a few.” (vs.3) Those empty vessels were visual examples of their life. Everywhere they had turned and every step they had taken had come to nothing but emptiness. Now they would find themselves in a room filled with empty jars, pots, etc. Were they really being told to pour the oil from the small jar into all those vessels?Elisha’s words made no sense; it was just not reasonable. However, this dear woman – having spent years with her husband serving God – had learned not to be limited by reason, but to be lifted by revelation. From her contrite heart, she and her sons were prepared to “trust and obey, for there was no other way”. So, they began pouring, filling, and setting aside one vessel after another.

One would be hard-pressed to adequately describe the joy those folks experienced as they filled vessel after vessel after vessel with the oil in the little jar. It seemed to pour as the manna that fell in the wilderness; as the water that flowed from the rock; as the fire that fell on Elijah’s altar; as the glory from the heavens over Bethlehem; as the uncreated light emanating from Christ on Mt. Tabor. Oh, how beautiful, how marvelous – such as no eye could behold, nor ear hear, nor mind comprehend! But there it was, and as they watched the vessels, they were being filled as well.

After a while, the last vessel was filled to the brim and, at the same time, the last drop of oil fell from the lip of the little jar. (vs.6)

The woman, running to Elisha this second time, cried – not with grief but – with unspeakable rejoicing and thanksgiving. She likely related every detail to the prophet. We may imagine that a smile graced his face and a tear of joy fell from his eye as he patiently listened to the elated mother tell of God’s provision. When she had finished, Elisha simply and clearly reminded her that the Lord had answered her prayer. He had accepted what she had to give (albeit so little) and bathed it in His grace. She had given what she had wrapping it in her hand of obedience and faith.

Once again, we might give close attention to Elisha’s concluding directive. “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts; and you and your sons live on the rest.” (vs.7). You will recall that oil was a valuable commodity in that day and often used in trading goods. In this case, the woman now had enough to satisfy the debts she owed and with much left over. With the remainder, she and her sons could begin afresh and, with their production, they could live without facing daily poverty. But there is something more here. The Hebrew word translated “sell” is makar. Its literal meaning is to sell as merchandise. However, it is often used figuratively as “surrender”. That is, giving of oneself or personal possession.  It is in that sense that we find a meaningful charge to the Church and to all Christians.  

Having left the Church in the world for the past 2000 years, our Lord Jesus did not leave her empty. No, there is a jar of oil –the Holy Spirit. He is the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Helper, the Teacher. However, He is too often forgotten as was the jar on the shelf. The parting words of our Lord to His disciples exhorted them to wait for the Holy Spirit before going into all the world (Luke 24:49). St. Paul wrote, “the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). He also further charged the believers to be filled with the Spirit, to walk by the Spirit, to live by the Spirit. That is, we are to come as empty vessels for God to pour the Spirit into our hearts and souls – to heal our wounds, to strengthen our weaknesses, to fill our emptiness.

Having been so graciously filled, we are then called to surrender (makar) what we have received and share the love and gifts of God with those around us. There will be plenty to give and plenty left over to supply our lives with “love, joy, peace….“ (Galatians 5:22,23).

As we reflect on this passage within the context of the challenges and hardships of daily life, may we keep in mind: before we look somewhere out there for answers and solutions, let us first look within to discover “what we have in the house”. As we raise our prayers and supplications to God, listen carefully …. we may just hear a quiet, heavenly question, “What do you have that I can use?”.

Grace and peace be with you.

Fr. Andrew

P.S. – One more thought. May this passage remind us husbands that we must be mindful of our wives and children so that, upon our death, we may not leave them with debt nor without the means to care for themselves.