August 30th 2026 The Shunammite Woman 2 Kings 4 v 8 - 37
The Story Begins: (v. 8) Elisha is traveling through a little town called Shunem. 1 Her Spirit of Service (vs. 9-10)It’s a curious thing to me, the text doesn’t give us her name, but takes time to identify the specific items of furniture in the room (list in v.10)
This is the first reason for her greatness - it was her service!. I doubt if anyone in town even knew about it, or took notice. Who noticed this women’s spirit of service? ………………..God did!I think we often struggle today with service because we think it has to be some great act. What kind of service is God looking for out of us? Matt. 25 v 22-40 (read).
If a neighbour is sick and needs a hot meal, you don’t have to tell anyone, just take them one. If we know a poor family and the kids need shoes, or a winter coat, just get one. If we know someone going through tough times, be there for them.2 Her Contentment (vs. 11-13)Think about this text, here we have Elisha, he’s been staying in this little room prepared by this “common” family, he’s appreciative, and says to her, “, I know the king, I know the army commander, I owe you a favour. just tell me, give me the word and I’ll get it done for you.”
Look again at her response (v. 13). I want you to understand it, it’s easy to miss the point - she’s saying,
I appreciate your offer, but I’ve got a home, my basic needs are provided for, I don’t really need anything.
Was she rich? Could she have bettered herself? Why didn’t she? She was Content!We live in a society today where everyone wants more, more, more. A bigger house, a higher paying job, a better, newer car, and the list goes on and on!1 Cor. 10 v 1-10 read) The key is v.10 - you know the story, God’s people, Egyptian bondage, they were not content, they cried & cried, Moses delivered them, very intense scene at the Red Sea, but God delivers them. They get into the wilderness, what do they do? complain! No water, God gives it. No food, they get manna. Tired of manna, they get quail. Eat too much quail, get sick, and they complain about that too!Back to the Shunammite women’s response—she was looking at what she had rather than complaining about what she didn’t have!Back to the Story (vs. 14-18)One thing she did not have was a son, (it was frowned upon to not have a boy child in those days.)so Elisha says she will have one in due time 3 Everything is alright! (vs. 19-26)
When asked by her husband why she was going to see the prophet – she states, “everything is alright”.When asked by Gehazi - she says, “everything is alright.” Was everything alright? By no means! She knew the boy was dead, a son she didn’t ask for, a son she had grown to love - her only son, who died in her arms. But she knew everything would be alright! ………..That’s faith!The number one reason this un-named woman was great in the eyes of God. It was her unshakable faith! What do men often put their faith in today? Their wealth? Family traditions? What did Paul say Phil 4? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!We can also get through all things: If we have faith! Tragedy …..Sickness……Death4 - I will not leave you! (vs. 29-30)Elisha was a man of God. To this woman, he was her direct link to God No matter what the end result, no matter what the outcome, live or die, she wasn’t going to leave God! God hears & answer’s our prayers. Sometimes we don’t like the answer. Sometimes we don’t understand the answer That doesn’t mean He’s against us, or punishing us. His will for a greater purpose is often hard for us to see.
Conclusion: All’s Well that Ends Well (vs. 31 - 37) Finish reading the storyI love the ending of this story
Of course the outcome is not the focal point for us today.What do you do to be great as a child of God?Perform little acts of service that the world never notices. You go through life with a spirit of contentment. You have a faith such that no matter what happens to you and your family, you can say “Everything is alright!” No matter the outcome, you never leave God!
2 Kings 4
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News from the Church
New dates
2nd September..…..Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people)
15th September …. Knit and Natter group, all welcome, bring your own project or come to learn a
new one. Starts at 1 pm, come along any time after that
ANSWERS TO 23rd August QUESTIONS
1) Solomon 2) Musician, Shepherd, Poet, Soldier 3) Zadok 4) David 5) 40 years 6) 4th son of David 7) Wisdom, he also built the Temple 8) Hiram king of Tyre 9) He was a man of war, killing many people 10) From Lebanon 11) 183,300 12) Yes, there was no sound of any tools in the temple 13) Gold
14) 7 years 15) Jachin and Boaz 16) Queen of Sheba
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is about 1 Kings
1 What are the famous words of the Queen of Sheba?
2 How many wives did Solomon have?
3 Who turned Solomons heart from God?
4 What was Ashtoreth?
5 How long did Solomon reign in Israel?
6 Who was the next king?
7 Who was the 1st king of the northern kingdom?
8 Who was the most wicked king and queen?
9 Who was Elijah?
10 Who was Elisha?
11 Who was Naboth?
12 Who was Jehoshaphat?
13 How many tribes made up the southern kingdom (Judah)?
14 How many tribes made up the northern kingdom (Israel)?
15 Why did the kingdom split into 2 kingdoms?
16 What was Elisha’s greatest prophecy ?
God Bless