Whenever the Lord refers to someone as being great, we need to examine the Scriptures and see what we can learn about them. We need to discover why they were great in the sight of God. Then we ought to glean from their lives truths and principles that we can apply that our life and service might be pleasing to Him.
Read: v8-20
I. She had a great desire to serve. v8-16
A. She reached out to him. v8
1. As he would pass by her home on his travels, she urged Elisha to stop and to eat with them.
2. The more she did this the greater her awareness of his needs.
B. She encouraged others to get involved. v9-10
1. Perceiving that Elisha was man of God, she realized she could do more.
2. She encouraged her husband to make room for Elisha in their home.
3. And so they prepared a place for him and equipped it to meet his needs.
C. She served sacrificially. v11-12
1. Elisha benefited greatly from her service.
2. Her service was genuine...some will serve, but only in order to receive something in return.
D. She was content. v13
1. Elisha asked if she was expecting something in return.
2. A favor from the King or Captain of the Host.
3. But her reply echoed the content- ment of her heart: 'I dwell with mine own people'.
E. Gehazi suggested a need. v14-16
1. Elisha wanted to bless her in some way.
2. Gehazi pointed out that she was childless and that her husband was old.
3. Elisha calls unto her and tells her that she will have a son.
II. She found herself in great need. v17-24
A. The promised son was born. v17
1. She had doubted the possibility of ever having a son.
2. But now it had become a reality.
B. Tragedy struck. v18-21
1. While out in the fields with his father, the son was stricken.
2. They brought him to her.
a. She did all that she could do.
b. He was her only son, but she could not prevent death from claiming him.
3. She laid him on Elisha's bed. v21
a. No indication of tears or crying out.
b. She knew that tears would not bring her son back to life.
c. She knew that God had given her the child and only by His power would he receive life again.
4. She went to get Elisha. v22-24
a. Her husband lacked her faith; he couldn't understand her urgency.
b. She never allowed that to discourage her.
c. She was determined to get help for her son.
III. She had great boldness. v25-28
A. She went directly to the man of God.
1. She wasn't interested in speaking to his servant, Gehazi.
2. She knew the power of God rested upon Elisha.
B. She fell humbly at Elisha's feet.
1. She grabbed his feet in desperation.
2. Elisha did not know her son was dead, she didn't tell him.
3. She only reminded him of his promise.
IV. She had great perseverance. v29-30
A. Elisha sent Gehazi with his staff to restore the boy. v29
1. This didn't satisfy the woman.
2. She came to get Elisha and no substitute would do.
B. She determined not to leave without Elisha. v30
1. She knew where the power of God was...
2. Finally Elisha gives in and follows her home.
V. She experienced great results. v31-32
A. The staff was powerless.
1. Because it was in the hand of Gehazi.
2. The power of God wasn't on a piece of wood, but upon the man of God.
3. Many are trusting in powerless staffs today to bring them life, but life can only come through the power of God.
B. God wasn't powerless. v33-37
1. Elsiha prayed.
2. Elisha placed himself upon the boy.
3. He waited upon God.
4. The boy was restored to life.
The Lord called her great. She is an example for all of us.