Elisha and the woman from Shunam

Well, here goes. I am starting a new blog based on stories and passages from the Bible that may sometimes be overlooked. The format is very simple. First, I give the reference. Then, I'll summarize the narrative. The third part is the tricky part. That's where I will give a brief summary of what I think is a good application based on some of my reading and commentaries. My first choice of Scripture is from 2 Kings 4:8-37 -- the story of Elisha and the woman from Shunam.

(Summary) The story is about a wealthy woman who shows hospitality to Elisha whenever he comes to town -- even building a room upstairs to accomodate him. One day, Elisha asks whether he can put in a good word about her to the king or army commander. She declines. Later, Elisha tells her she can expect a son even though her husband is old. She can hardly believe her ears. When her son is older, he is working in the fields with his father when he dies unexpectantly. The father brings the boy to the mother and she lays him on the bed in Elisha's room. Then, she immediately sets out to see "the man of God". Elisha's servant meets her and asks if everything is allright. She says everything is fine -- but continues to seek Elisha. She grieves for her son and Elisha tells his servant to go with her and place his staff on the child's face. But the woman will not return without Elisha. The servant arrives there first and is unsuccessful in reviving the child. When Elisha gets there he lays on top of the child and he comes back to life. The woman is overwhelmed with gratitude.

Read the passage for yourself and think about its meaning and application. I will blog-in again in a couple of days with my interpretation. Check back soon.