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2 Kings 4:1-2, The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”

Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”

“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”

This is really a beautiful chapter.  The stories we find here demonstrate God’s power and his desire to care for those who are suffering and in need.  Throughout the Biblical narrative, God walks closely to the poor and vulnerable.  In this chapter, God works through the prophet Elisha to provide for an impoverished widow, resurrect a young boy, and feed hungry prophets.  Be sure to read through the whole narrative.

Our focus verses highlight one of the miracles that God did through the prophet Elisha.  A widow of a deceased prophet comes to him quite distressed.  After her husband passed, she has significant debts to pay and no way to pay them.  She is worried that the creditor will come to take her two sons as payment.  Debt slavery was not uncommon in ancient civilizations.  When the poor could not pay their debts, they were often forced into physical labor to repay them.  Debt slavery could last years (it wasn’t as if there was any accountability).  We see throughout the Old Testament the prophets speaking out against the oppression of the poor and this would have certainly constituted oppression! 

The prophet Elisha sees the woman’s desperation and quickly moves into action.  First, he asks her what she has; she has a little olive oil.  Next, he tells her to ask her neighbors for as many jars as possible.  Once the jars are in place, he has her fill them up.  The olive oil continued to flow for as long as there were empty jars.  Then, she could sell the oil and pay her debts, protecting her boys from being forced into slavery.

I love how God uses something the woman already has – olive oil – to provide a solution to her problem.  I can’t help but think, even when we feel like we have nothing of value to offer, there is always something.  God has gifted us with talents and resources that we can use to solve our own problems and make an impact in the world.  Obviously, we can’t do this on our own.  We need God to work through us and in us.  We may also need to lean on the body of Christ for help and wisdom.  But God will provide for us what we need.  Trust in that.

Let’s pray…Almighty God, You are the Great Provider and Sustainer.  We give you glory and praise for the ways you care for us.  Help us use what you have so generously given to impact change in our lives, in our communities, and in our world.  Fill us with your spirit and wisdom.  We need you, Lord.  And please, send us Godly people to mentors and come alongside us.  In Your Name, Amen.