2 Kings 4:13

DISCOURSE: 363
CONTENTMENT ILLUSTRATED IN THE SHUNAMITE

2 Kings 4:13. What is to be done for thee? Wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

“TO be content with such things as we have” is a very rare acquirement. Every one imagines that some change of circumstances, and especially some addition to his fortune, will increase his happiness. But the answer of the Shunamite to the Prophet Elisha may well dissipate this delusion. She, in concurrence with her husband, had provided accommodation for the prophet, that, when he was proceeding on his journeys in the discharge of his ministerial office, and should have occasion to visit Shunem, he might have a place of repose under her roof. The prophet, sensible of her great kindness, and thankful for all the care she had taken of him, proposed to do any thing she might wish for the promotion of her interests. He offered to speak for her to the captain of the host, or even to the king himself, if he might thereby obtain for her and her husband any thing that might conduce to their comfort. But she declined his kind offer, saying, “I dwell among mine own people,” and possess in my intercourse with them all that my heart can desire.
Now this was a wise and good reply. It commends itself to us as the dictate of a sound judgment,

I. On the principles of worldly wisdom—

Advancement in the world was offered her, but she preferred,

1. A state of independence to a state of obligation—

[No man should be ashamed of a state of dependence, or of being indebted to the kind offices of others, if God has put him into a situation that requires it. God has ordained that there shall be a great diversity in the conditions of men, on purpose that every species of virtue may be called forth into act and exercise; in the poor, contentment, and in the rich, a liberal and tender sympathy. But to be needlessly dependent upon others is most disgraceful. No man should subsist on alms when he is able to support himself. It was a blessing which God promised to his obedient people, when he said, “Ye shall lend to many nations, but shall not borrow; since by the one they would be the head, whereas by the other they would be in the degraded situation of the tail [Note: Deuteronomy 28:12.].” It was a virtuous pride therefore in this woman to decline a state of dependence, when God had given her a sufficiency for independence.]

2. A state of competency to a state of affluence—

[She had food and raiment; What could she have more? An abundance of the things of this life is usually productive of care, and always exposes us to temptation; whilst yet the possessor of it has “no other benefit from it than, that of beholding it with his eyes [Note: Ecclesiastes 5:11. See also Psalms 37:16; Proverbs 15:16; Ecclesiastes 4:6; Matthew 6:25.].” Why then should any man affect worldly advancement? “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things that he possesseth [Note: Luke 12:15.].” True wisdom therefore dictates to every man the advice, which Jeremiah gave to Baruch, “Seekest thou great things unto thyself? Seek them not [Note: Jeremiah 45:5.].”]

3. A state of domestic quiet to all the happiness that arises from external and adventitious circumstances—

[It is a great mistake to imagine that happiness can be found in amusements of any kind. They involve no small measure of trouble in the pursuit of them, and they almost always issue in disappointment. At all events they are but “as the crackling of thorns under a pot,” which blaze for a moment, and then expire in smoke and darkness [Note: Ecclesiastes 7:6.]. But in filling up our station in life with diligence, and administering to the welfare of all around us, there is real happiness. However much we diversify the objects of our pursuit abroad, we never attain any solid satisfaction: “The eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor the ear with hearing [Note: Ecclesiastes 1:8.].” But, when we move in our domestic circle, like the sun in its course, diffusing light and comfort all around us, we possess that state of peaceful tranquillity, which, for a continuance, is the most enviable frame on earth.]

If in a mere worldly view, and on the principles of common sense, this woman’s choice was commendable, much more was it so,

II.

On the principles of Christian piety—

Let two things only be considered;

1. How little can any worldly things add to the happiness of a believing soul!

[Pleasure, riches, and honour are the great objects of men’s idolatrous regard. But what pleasure can the world afford in comparison of “that peace which passeth all understanding,” and that “joy which is unspeakable and glorified,” both of which are the believer’s portion from day to day? And what are gold and silver when compared with “the unsearchable riches of Christ,” which are ministered even to the poorest and meanest of God’s saints? What, too, are the most elevated titles upon earth, when put in competition with that of being “sons of God, and joint-heirs with Christ?” If we could imagine two angels sent from heaven, one to rule an empire, and the other to sweep the streets, they would be equally happy in discharging the offices assigned them, because they would have no happiness but in God. And so it is with us, in proportion as we are renewed by divine grace: we shall, “in whatsoever state we are placed, be therewith content,” and, whilst “having nothing, consider ourselves as possessing all things.”]

2. How entirely our future abundance depends on our present moderation!

[We are told by our Lord that “The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and render it unfruitful:” and we see in Demas this sad effect: “Demas hath forsaken us, having loved this present evil world.” The things of this life are as “thick clay to the feet” of one who is running a race, or as “a long garment” that impedes his every step. Hence we are told to cast off both the one and the other, that we may “so run as to obtain the prize.” Now no one would doubt the wisdom of complying with this advice when striving for an earthly crown; nor can any one doubt it in reference to the spiritual “race that is set before us.” Hence, when the question was put to David, “Who will shew us any good?” he replied, “Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us [Note: Psalms 4:6.].”]

Seeing now that this Shunamite’s choice was so wise, let us inquire,
1.

Whence it is that this disposition is so rare—

[She improved for the Lord the property she possessed. She spent it not on carnal gratifications, but devoted what she could to pious uses. Now by acting on that principle we suppress all worldly-mindedness, and attain a superiority to all covetous desires. But how few do act on that principle! How few regard their property as given them of the Lord for the carrying on of his service, and for the promotion of his glory! Hence it is that worldly advancement is so coveted; and that few, with such prospects as were now opened to this pious woman, would have the wisdom or the fortitude to follow her example.]

2. How we may attain it—

[Nothing will so soon or so effectually deliver us from worldly desires, as the acquisition and experience of heavenly joys. Our Lord told the Samaritan woman that “whosoever should drink of Jacob’s well, would thirst again; but that whosoever should drink of the water that he would give, should never thirst.” And so we find it invariably. “By the cross of Christ, the world will become crucified unto us, and we unto the world.” Let us then “set our affections on things above, and not on things on the earth:” so shall we both advance our happiness here, and secure a more exalted happiness in the realms above.]