“And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” 39 So one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered from it a lapful of wild gourds, and came and sliced them into the pot of stew, though they did not know what they were. 40 Then they served it to the men to eat. Now it happened, as they were eating the stew, that they cried out and said, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. 41 So he said, “Then bring some flour.” And he put it into the pot, and said, “Serve it to the people, that they may eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.” 2 Kings 4:38-41 NKJV
“Then a man came from Baal Shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley bread, and newly ripened grain in his knapsack. And he said, “Give it to the people, that they may eat.” 43 But his servant said, “What? Shall I set this before one hundred men?” He said again, “Give it to the people, that they may eat; for thus says the Lord: ‘They shall eat and have some left over.’ ” 44 So he set it before them; and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord.” 2 Kings 4:42-44 NKJV
“Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 0 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”” 2 Kings 5:9-10 NKJV
God of Elisha,
It is truly important to those who wrote the history that the prophets are given respect and their deeds recorded. They are the witness of You Lord God working amidst Your people regardless of their apostasy and idolatry. Here we see Elisha obeying You and seeing miracles. He is showing us Your character. The God who wants to keep us from poison, wants to feed us and wants to heal us. Leprosy was often thought to be a judgement on a person.
He gave us a glimpse into the future. To one who would be prophet, priest and King. To be the one who was a walking miracle, able to do them Himself. So we would know know Him for who he was. Jesus who removed evil spirits (Matthew 4:24) who fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) and healed the sick and all who came to Him (Luke 4:40). Elisha served You but Jesus was Emmanuel, You God with us.
Time and again You showed Your people that You were a good God, a God for them, with them. But they did not listen to Your prophets unless they were passed desperate. Today many do not want to know about Jesus, but in crisis call upon Your name. Your grace and mercy is still there. Just as You were still there for Judah and Israel in their sin. Just as You are always here for me. Keep me from sins mess.
Worship Wednesday 3rd June 2026
Lord, I come before Your throne of grace;
I find rest in Your presence
And fulness of joy.
In worship and wonder
I behold Your face,
Singing what a faithful God have I.
What a faithful God have I,
What a faithful God.
What a faithful God have I,
Faithful in every way.
Lord of mercy, You have heard my cry;
Through the storm You’re the beacon,
My song in the night.
In the shelter of Your wings,
Hear my heart’s reply,
Singing what a faithful God have I.
Chorus
Lord all sovereign,
Granting peace from heaven,
Let me comfort those who suffer
With the comfort You have given.
I will tell of Your great love for as long as I live,
Singing what a faithful God have I.
Chorus
Lyrics: Robert and Dawn Critchley