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(2 Kings 4:5). How did she know? “Women’s intuition,” one might say.Yet for this obvious follower of the Lord, it was much more than that. Taking over as King of Israel, Solomon prayed, “Now give me wisdom and discernment, so that I may effectively lead this nation. Otherwise no one is able to make judicial decisions for this great nation of yours” (2 Chronicles 1:10, NET). Scripture says, “God looks down from the heavens upon humanity to see if anyone shows discernment as he searches for God” (Psalm 53:2, ISV). Certainly, this Shunammite woman qualifies, recognizing Elisha as a true representative of God. Accommodating- Not only did she recognize his spiritual authenticity, she saw to his physical needs as well, inviting him into their home for a meal. No Chick-fil-As or Cracker Barrels were around in those days.! Consider Mary and Martha, who invited Jesus into their home for food and rest as He ministered among the people (Luke 10:38-42). Later, Lydia, the first convert in Europe, invited Paul and his mission team to stay while they worked in and around Thyatira (Acts 16:15). I recall in my early days as a young minister having lunch in the homes of church members after a preaching assignment. It usually consisted of roast, vegetables from the garden, homemade biscuits, and coconut pie for dessert.Yummy.Those were the good old days. In addition to a meal, the Shunammite provided the prophet a place to stay. As she said to her husband, “Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and table, a chair and a lamp for him.Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us” (2 Kings 4:10). Inns existed for travelers at the time, yet would have created unnecessary financial hardship for Elisha.

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