The Power of One Small Jar of Oil Let’s start with this widow’s story, and then I will give some commentary below.
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”
-2 Kings 4:1-7, NIV
First off, I think it’s interesting it says this man was from the company of the prophets. I have to believe they kind of had their own network. So, this woman went to Elisha and let him know what had happened to her. Now, why Elisha? Was it from his history of working with widows in the past? Did they have a friendship? She had debts and she didn’t know what to do and didn’t want to lose her sons too. That’s a tight spot to be in, but nothing is impossible for our God. Next, Elisha tells her to go around and collect empty jars from her neighbors. This is so powerful. Out of their emptiness was the capacity to fill her to fullness. When there were no jars left, the oil stopped pouring. This was a supernatural multiplication story, for the more jars, the more the oil poured.
I love this example in the Bible to encourage us all, but especially widows. She needed what had to be restored again. The neighbors had what she needed to cover her debts and then some. We serve a God of more than enough, y’all. Right here in 2 Kings, another story about a widow in need getting her needs met beyond her current need exists. It all started with a death that caused her to ask a question of concern, and then a strategy came forth from this prophet who could discern. ☺️ It doesn’t say he even prayed in that moment. It just tells us she responded to his action plan immediately.
Sometimes we don’t need to weigh the Word, we just need to follow the Word. Timing matters in the spirit realm, for that is where our faith comes into play. Obedience multiplies things. We don’t know for sure, but who can say that these neighbors were not blessed as well. This is another passage that makes me wonder what more happened. Did this story get out? Meaning, was it shared? It had to have been shared. I mean, at least to the company of prophets right? This was their daily life, speaking into present needs until they saw those needs beinging met. This had to encourage these prophets too, and even after all these years, it’s still encouraging us today. Out of her lack became a testimony that doesn’t lack. His glory came through strong for this widow, and that is what I love about our God. He doesn’t exclude anyone from His loving kindness and care. He cares for us all individually, and He uses us to fulfill His purpose and pleasures in the earth. May we never forget to call on our Heavenly Father when we need help. He is the multiplier. He is Jehovah Jirah, our provider. Once again, this reminds me of a song. I’m going to add it here, for it has ministered to me so much over the past couple of years.
Jireh, Elevation Worship and Maverick City: https://youtu.be/mC-zw0zCCtg Until next time,
Keep gliding 🪁
Abiding 🙇🏼♀️
& Smiling 😁