The Shunammite Woman
Speaker: John J Roberts
Date: August 27, 2023
Text: II Kings 4:8-17
Introduction:
Hospitality is a central characteristic in the heart of God.
Why did this narrative make it into the story of scripture?
Hospitality in the Old Testament: Leviticus 19:33 – 34; Genesis 19:1-11
Hospitality the New Testament: John 1:35-42; Romans 12:13; Titus 1:8; I Timothy 3:2
Hospitality builds bridges rather than walls.
The invitation from God to Adam and Eve – Genesis 3:8-9
The invitation in the life of Jesus: Matthew 4:18-19; Matthew 9:9-10; Matthew 19:13-15
Matthew 11:28
Hospitality is building a bridge that allows others to join us in our real life.
Hospitality builds bridges to life-giving conversations where God’s goodness can be shared.
The Shunammite woman doesn’t see Elisha as a bother, but as an opportunity to give a blessing.
I Peter 4:9-11; Hebrews 13:1-2
How do we approach others in our community with the message of hope and life that we have?
Conclusion
Where are the opportunities in your life to invite others in?
- Your Home?
- Your Work?
- Your Life?
The challenge this week is to pursue hospitality…
…invite someone, or a family, or a group into your home… feed them something…
…invite someone out for a meal… maybe today… take a risk…
…invite someone into a conversation…
…if someone knocks on your door, don’t hide upstairs… invite them in if it’s safe.
…walk your neighborhood and start a conversation…
…start a conversation at a place your shop… I know you’re in a hurry… but take some extra time… everyone wants to tell their story… When you listen you give a space for conversation…
A prayer for hospitality…
Lord Jesus give me patience this week to see those with whom I come in contact, not as a bother, but as an opportunity to give a blessing…
Let me see you in each face that I encounter as each person I meet is a beloved son or daughter created in your image and someone for whom your heart desires only goodness, truth, and beauty…
Lord Jesus help me to truly see and to truly hear others… make my life a place of hospitality…
Help me to make room for life-giving encounters as I walk through my daily walking around life to be a person whose life reflects your life Lord Jesus, bringing goodness, and truth, and beauty into all the places my life has influence.
