What's Your Jar of Oil?

She came and told the man of God, and he said, "Go sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your children can live on the rest." II Kings 4:7 NRSV

Elisha is providing protection for the widow of a prophet so that the son is not taken into slavery. We don't know how they got in this situation but to get out they must look closely at what they have. Elisha tells them to take the small jar of olive oil, get every vessel they can get their hands on (including their neighbors') and start filling these vessels with oil. The oil keeps on pouring out until all the vessels are used up. They are able to pay off their debts and live on the remainder.

Oh, how many of us could use one of Elisha's miracles right now! I would love to be able to pay off our debts. And to live off the rest!  My family has been trying hard to become debt-free but it seems like an uphill battle most days.

However, no one is threatening to come take my child as their slave.

What could you gather and sell in order to prevent yourself or your family members from becoming slaves ... to the credit card companies? It may be simpler than you think and so essential to your future.

God, it doesn't seem like we are in such desperate situations as the widow and her son but perhaps we are closer than we think. We ask for your provision, protection and salvation. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims