BEYOND CRUSE TO CORNUCOPIA
JUNE 14, 2025
TEXT: “And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not anything in the house, save a pot of oil.” (2 Kings 4:2)
Modern-day Christianity too often mistakes the concept of divine provision for an excuse to be idle. Believers often choose to sleep their days away, failing to recognise that God’s blessing requires active participation. They chase after non-existent white or blue-collar jobs in a tight economy, preferring to beg rather than engage in honourable work that would bring dignity and respect. True seekers of God’s favour must recognise that His blessing requires hard work, rising early and putting their hands to the plow, for God’s grace and provision are not granted to those who merely sit and wait.
Once upon a time in ancient Israel, a woman of the prophetic community approached the prophet Elisha, tearfully expressing her distress over the debts left by her late husband. Elisha, moved with compassion, inquired about her possessions. To his surprise, the widow revealed she only had a single jar of oil. Nonetheless, Elisha instructed her to gather all the containers she could find. Upon following his directions, Elisha turned his gaze heavenward and prayed, and the widow witnessed a wonder—the oil flowed endlessly from the single jar, filling all the vessels. Amazed, she returned to Elisha, reporting the miracle. Upon receiving the widow’s wondrous news, Elisha instructed her to sell the oil, pay off her debts, and use the remainder to support herself and her sons.
Like the widow in the biblical account, many Christians today long for financial provision. The lesson gleaned from this passage is the importance of looking within, identifying the resources available to you—the skills, talents, or commodities that can be harnessed to bring forth a blessing. The woman in the text already possessed oil, indicating that she had some understanding of its usage and value. It was this awareness that provided the platform for her financial redemption. In our quest for abundance and prosperity, we must comprehend that the blessings of the Almighty can flourish from the talents and skills that He has already endowed us with. Laziness and contempt for humble beginnings should be discarded, for we must not deride the products or services we offer. Instead, we must embrace these with pride, for in doing so, we honour the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. Those who place their trust in the Lord should not fear want or scarcity, for the infinite grace of God is an ever-flowing fountain of provision for His faithful children.
SEARCHLIGHT: Never belittle seemingly small talents, for they have the potential to blossom into greatness tomorrow.
PRAYER: Empower us to honour the gifts You have bestowed, using them diligently. In faith, we seek Your provision, embracing Your grace and blessings.
BIBLE READING:
Psalms 38-40, Hebrews 6
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
