2 Kings 4:44

REFLECTIONS

How lovely is it to behold in this great woman of Shunem, (as she is called) the blessed fruits of real piety. Reader! if we love Jesus, we cannot but love his people. This commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also. She did not say to the prophet; be ye warmed and filled, notwithstanding, the things are not given which are needful to the body. But, like another Lydia, her language was; If ye have Judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And shall I not constrain thee, thou blessed Jesus, as oft as thou passeth by, to turn in unto me, that we may eat bread together? And be thou not as a way-faring man, that tarrieth but for a night; but I would constrain thee to continue to the breaking of the day: and do thou, dearest, honored Lord, do thou make thyself known to me in breaking of bread and of prayer. And though I have nothing to provide thee; nothing, like this Shunammite, to give thee, (as the bed, and the table, and the stool, and the candlestick;) yet, when thou comest, thou wilt bring all things with thee; and thou thyself wilt be all things to me; light to my darkness, a rest for my wearied soul to repose upon, and wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, that all my glorying may be in thee, O Lord!

My soul! do thou learn from this great woman, another sweet lesson. While men of the world, from the world are seeking their portion, and would rejoice at the offer of being spoken of to the king of an earthly court; oh! for grace, like her, to see the happiness of dwelling among that people, whose distinguishing character it is, that they shall dwell alone, and not be reckoned among the nations. Yes! blessed Jesus! I would be spoken for to thee indeed, and count it my chief joy to be of thy people.

And lastly, before I take my leave of this precious chapter, let me look up to thee, thou blessed Author and Finisher of faith, that thou wouldest give me a portion of the same precious spirit, which this Shunammite possessed in so large a degree. Is it possible, dearest Jesus, that I can thus read of a woman, who lived in ages so remote from thy coming, acting faith upon covenant promises, to such an extent as really to receive her dead child, by virtue of it, raised to life again; and yet who live so many ages after thou hast wrought out and completed thy salvation, possessing all thine exceeding great and precious promises, doubt and fear, and too often call in question, the certainty of them? Oh! for grace to believe the record God the Father hath given of his dear Son. Lord! I would pray, above all things, give me faith, that I may be a patient follower of them who now through faith and patience inherit the promises. Lord! make me faithful unto death, that I may obtain that crown of glory which fadeth not away.