“Look, you have been concerned for us with all

     This care. What can I do for you?”   2King 4:13 (New King James Version, NKJV)

     To prove further the unfailing effect of hospitality on mankind, especially the children of God, let us continue to examine the life a woman. It is a sure key that opens great doors. It is worthy of note that HOSPITALITY is not the responsibility of any particular sex or age. It cuts across all. Let me do a brief analysis of the life of a Shunammite woman.

1. Ability to perceive. It is sad that many golden opportunities to

sow and reap bountifully have been lost by people of God. it is a great gift to be able to perceive the right things. The King James Version of the Holy Scriptures renders the words of the Shunammite woman thus,

     “Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man

     Of God, which passeth by us continually.”   2Kings 4:9.

     New King James Version renders the same verse thus,

     “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who

     Pass by us regularly.”

     Do you possess and employ your knowledge and perception to be hospitable?

     The woman emptied the content of her heart when she wanted to seek the authority of her husband to practice more hospitality.

1. Persuading with the stranger. This notable woman of Sunem did not only approach Prophet Elisha to enter her house that he may eat food, but he persuaded him to do this. Although the man of God did not request for food. She did all to persuade him until Elisha yielded to her bidding. Pleading or persuading must be employed to practice Hospitality.
2. Bringing other people in. Every man’s ability and authority is limited. In the cause of your being hospitable, you may need to incorporate other people into the assignment. This was demonstrated by the great woman of Shunem.

     To prepare food alone for the man of God, Elisha, was not a problem. However, when she wanted to add more comfort to the ones she had given regularly, she approached her husband for co-operation, her words,

     “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes

     By us regularly. Please, let us make a small upper room

     On the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, and a table

     And a chair a lamp stand, so it will be whenever he comes

     To us, he can turn in there.”   2Kings 4:9-10 (New King James Version NKJV).

     To be hospitable, look outside your ability and authority. Plead on behalf of the strangers to those who can afford what he needs. Do all within your means!

1. Provision of all needs. Not at Elisha’s request, the notable woman relied on her perception or knowledge to provide all that the man of God needs she started with food, and drinks cannot be absent. She went to the extent of providing a guest chalet strictly for him. She fully furnished it to meet the needs of the Prophet. She did all to make him comfortable.

1. Showing all concern/care. The words of the man of God reveals the extent of the woman’s care thus,

     “Look, you have been concerned for us with all

     This care. What can I do for you? Do you want me to speak on

      your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?” 2King 4:13. NKJV

     This was a care that provoked being reciprocated.

     A care that  troubled the Prophet’s heart to compensate her.

     “I live among my people.” Was the answer she gave him. Her hospitality is not with an ulterior motive. She did it for the Lord only.

BENEFITS

1. Her lost hope was revived. The woman had no child. She lived with an old husband. She did not believe a child could be born by her but the Lord gave her a son, according to the words of the prophet. 2King 4:14-17.

1. Her dead son was revived. Her unbelief in Prophetic declaration of the man of God caused the death of her lone son. Thanks to God. the Prophet was used of God to revive him. 2Kings 4:20,32-36.

1. Great secret was revealed. The woman, by the mouth of Elisha, knew of an impending famine. This gave her a special opportunity to live where she and her household did not starve. 2King 8:1-12.

1. Recovery of her lost possessions. After the years of famine, all her properties taken over by the government of the day were returned to her by the testimony of how Elisha raised her son back to life. 2Kings 8:3,6.

     Are you also hospitable? Begin today, you will receive its benefits.

     Stay blessed and prepared for the coming of the Lord.

 NOTE

All Scripturs quoted are from New King James Version of the Holy Bible.  

The Author is the set man of CTFM(WORLD OUTREACH)and Presiding Pastor of Christ Restland Gospel Church.He is a Poet and author of many books. Visit his blogsites www.4thlink.wordpress.com and www.peacelink.wordpress.com for more quality contents.