Borrow Not A Few 2 Kings 4:1-7

Many people were in distress during the days of Elijah and Elisha - Israel had fallen on to hard times Our text reveals a prophets widow who was in great distress

This is not “an insignificant incident” recorded without purpose

I. The problems she faced (vs. 1-2) Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. (2 Ki. 4:1)

1. She was bereaved 2. She had two sons to care for 3. She was in debt 4. Her sons faced bondage Children could be sold into slavery to pay a debt for the parents

Lev. 25:39-40 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile:

Mt. 18:25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

2 Kings 4:2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.

The only thing of value she said she had was a container of oil Elisha was a man of God, inspired, and personally interested in her problem

He was a good source of advice Today we have a better source of help

1 Pet. 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you

Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

She realized her need and went for help Only those who realize their needs can receive help

II. Vs. 3-7-----“Elisha said to her…” Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full…..

So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel…..

And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. (2 Kings 4:3-7)

1. Go borrow – “If you will help yourself, I will help you” This is the best way to help the poor or anyone in need Her task was not easy – she may have faced ridicule from her neighbors

She followed his directions completely

1 Ki. 17:14 (Elijah and the widow of Zarephath) For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail

2. “Trust in the Lord” God often tests our faith He gives commands that we may see ourselves and prove our faith to ourselves Naaman Jericho

3. “Use what you have” The way to increase what you have is to use it – never bury it Parable of the Talents

4. “Pay the debt” The man she owed was without mercy He was going to take both sons One must do right even when others do wrong or what seems wrong

Rom. 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

To seek vengeance is to play God Rom. 12:19-20 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord….

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”

5. Plan Big – “Borrow not a few” Christ’s work is big He died for every man He wants everyone saved Gospel to be preached to every creature One is to love everybody

EXPECT BIG THINGS FROM GOD Forgiveness, providence, eternal salvation, God gives more than we expect He gives more than we are able to receive

Mal. 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Borrow not a few - 2 Kings 4:1-7 Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Providence

God would have filled every vessel that the sons and widow provided!

Conclusion We may have problems, but God can do something about them We need to plan big May the church mature into that which God wants it to be

He will make it what He wants it to be if we will provide the empty vessels

1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Gal. 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.