What’s in Your House – Part III – January 29, 2009

When we look at the directive that Elisha gave to the widow, we find two things that stand out:

3Then he said, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few. 4 And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.” 2 Kings 4: 3 & 4 NKJV

What this verse says to me that we may go to our friends and family to receive assistance in the structure of our miracle – gleaning perhaps from their testimonies – their wisdom – their advice – we may even borrow their car to get to the job interview – we may have to borrow a dress or suit coat for that interview – but the borrowing is just that – the means to the end – not the end! When we get help from our friends and family – we get empty vessels – they are not our source of supply!

Secondly, the prophet told her when she got the vessels to shut the door behind her. Too often we want to engage the world in our effort to obtain a miracle from God. Prayer requests are good – in fact they are necessary -but the essence of our miracle is behind closed doors! In our secret closet only – will we find the miracle that we need.

The third thing the prophet told her was to get her sons to help her pour the oil. Her sons were the reason she needed this “oil business” – they were the ones who faced being taken away by the creditors. It was essential they be a part of their own deliverance! The widow’s husband had indeed left a legacy, but he kept the source and supply of that legacy (the strength of the oil) a secret from his own family!

How many times do we fret over how we are going to provide for our children? How many times do we sacrifice beyond what we are able to give them to give them what they want (and even sometimes need) and fail to include them in the process?

Oil is always symbolic of the Holy Spirit. As the oil was poured – it was the legacy left to the widow and her sons by her husband. In order for the sons to receive the legacy, they needed to move in faith with the act of pouring the oil.

Our children should always be an active participant in our prayertime – for prayer is the work that obtains our miracle. I encourage every reader if you do not have family prayer on a regular basis to begin this most vital work! Never leave the work of faith to anyone else – not even the church – close your doors – bring your family together – seek God – multiply the oil!

God Bless You,
Maria