Heart and Soul Messages

So, I have previously written a blog about 2 Kings 4:3, but it was related more to the topic of scarcity. But when I read it today, in light of a 48 hour, life-changing trial this past week, it has another meaning.

How can that be, you ask? Because this is yet another example of how God’s Word is alive. It is not just a book. In Hebrews 4:12, it says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” And in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we are reminded that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

So in looking at 2 Kings 4:3, we see Elisha giving instruction to a widow that is in desperate need. She knows the creditors are coming and will take her two sons as slaves since she has no way to pay her deceased husband’s debt. Elisha is going to be God’s method of deliverance by allowing her to fill jars with oil miraculously provided generously so that she can sell them and pay the debt.

2 Kings 4:3: Elisha said, “Go around and ask all of your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.”

DON’T ASK FOR JUST A FEW.

In the blog, I mention this in relation to how we can have a scarcity mindset. But while that still applies here, the trial of this past week – a life-changing, gut-wrenching, satanic attacking trial – I see it in a new way, and know that I should make this point known as well.

You see, I was in desperate need for Jesus to step in and fight a spiritual battle that I couldn’t fight. But I also knew that while He heard my prayer, He would also hear the prayers of saints interceding on my behalf. So that’s what I did. I reached out to my prayer warriors.

They didn’t need the details, although some of them were provided those details due to those relationships. But those saints interveened for me, and in a very mighty way. And I didn’t ask for just a few.

Now hear me on this. I didn’t blast a post on FaceBook saying that I needed prayer. I didn’t post in a group that I needed prayer. I was very careful on who I called into battle on my battlefield. I went to my “neighbors” and asked specifically for jars, aka, prayers. And I didn’t ask for just a few jars. From those “neighbors” I asked for a lot of jars. I was not afraid to call in a spiritual army.

And that is what that verse means to me this time. I didn’t believe the lie that I had to face this alone. The Lord tells us to bear each other’s burdens. But I went to neighbors. I knew who EXACTLY my neighbors were. I knew EXACTLY who I could call on to intercede and give me all of the jars they had in order to help me see my miracle. They were neighbors that had shown themselves faithful. They were neighbors that I knew had a right relationship with Christ. And they were neighbors that I knew would give abundantly for me to fill up my jars with oil in order to avoid an outcome of slavery.

And yes, I saw my miracle. Jesus has moved in a mighty way. He receives ALL GLORY!!! And while this trial was one of the worst experiences I have ever faced in my Christian walk, I will tell you that there is a precious relationship with my Jesus that I would have NEVER experienced had I not walked through this fire. And there is a bonding with my warriors that is even more sweet and lasting because of our journey together this past week.

So now, here is my question and challenge to you. Do you know “neighbors” to call on for “jars” when you need the oil? If not, is that because you are not being a neighbor yourself? If you do not have neighbors, as a child of God, you need to plug into a neighborhood. And by that, I mean you need a God-fearing, Christ- believing tribe of souls that can surround you. They can laugh with you, rejoice with you, pray over you when you have no more words to say, go to war for you in a spiritual battle, and extend to you the love and comfort of Christ, just as you are to do for them.

I do hope you know your neighbors. I do sincerely hope you are a neighbor to someone. And if not, it is never too late to move from where you are, to where Jesus wants you to be. Call on Him for salvation if that needs to be done first. And then move to your neighborhood. Share your jars abundantly. And when you need jars, remember… don’t ask for just a few.