HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

2 Kings 4:1-7

Key Verse 4:2

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 little oil."

From this passage we can learn how the Lord wants us to bless us (more than we can possibly imagine) in the year 2011 and beyond.

1. Read verse 1 and think about what the woman said to Elisha. What might she have meant by the following statements?

1) Your servant my husband is dead;

2) and you know that he revered the Lord; and 

3) but now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.

** Her statements indicate that the nature of her problem is more spiritual than physical. Specifically it appears that her problem is that of 'faith' rather than ‘material.’ God is the God of mercy and love. God is a good God, the God of abundance. He is good all the time. Yet, it appears that she ended up entertaining negative thoughts on God. So it is very likely that she lost a thankful heart. Then things started looking dark and hopeless.  

2. In verse 2a Elisha asks, "How can I help you?" Did she answer the question? Yet, in what respect was this question necessary for her to consider and answer?

** No.

** The word "you" indicates that Elisha wanted to help 'her', especially her 'faith' in the Lord. This question also points to the truth that God helps those who help themselves, just as Jesus said, in Luke 19:26, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away."

We should not complain about others. We need to find the problem within each of us, especially in regards to faith, for God is going to bless us according to our faith.

3. Read verse 2b and think about the question Elisha asked her and the answer she gave. Why do you think Elisha bothered to ask her about what she had in her house?

** He bothered to ask what she had for when one neglects what he already has, even if God pours more on his lap, he will eventually end up losing them all, just as the old saying, "The bucket which leaks inside will also leak outside."  

4. Read verses 3-7 and compare what she began with ("a little oil") and what she ended up with. 

1) How much did she get? 

2) How did she get what she got?

3) How much more could she have gotten? 

** The X number of jars [she had ready] filled up with oil.

** She obeyed Elisha's word by faith. She did it along with her sons. Most likely she did it prayerfully. 

** As much more as she could have believed to get, as to be demonstrated in reality via taking actions that is, having empty jars (vessels) ready (Psalm 81:10).

** Write a bible testimony on how you want the Lord bless you in the year(s) to come 

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