II Kings 4:8-44
Today’s reading presents a few miracles at the hands of Elisha. Together with II Kings 4:1-7 and subsequent chapters, these stories all serve to establish Elisha as a man of God (II Kings 4:9,16,21,22,25,27,40,42), a genuine prophet of the LORD. So it behooves us to pay attention to what Elisha says and does and how the LORD works through him. We can also learn from those with whom he interacts. Today we have an unnamed woman living in (or near) the town of Shunem.
This Shunammite woman recognizes Elisha as a man of God and regularly cares for his needs when he is in the neighborhood. (II Kings 4:8-10) In response to all her kindness Elisha seeks to bless her. Although she dares not hope for children, Elisha prophesies the birth of a son in a fashion reminiscent of the LORD’s promise to Sarah and Abraham. (II Kings 4:11-17; Genesis 18:9-15) But after some years the boy dies. (II Kings 4:18-20) And how does the woman respond?
She said, “All is well.”
II Kings 4:23b
Run at once to meet her and say to her, ‘Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with the child?’” And she answered, “All is well.”
II Kings 4:26
Although her son lies dead, the Shunammite woman twice says, “All is well.” That is a tremendous statement of faith! We should note that she is not in any way in denial of the reality of her son’s death, nor is she immune from grief and questioning. Her actions make that clear, as she promptly goes to find Elisha, traveling with all haste. (II Kings 4:22-25) And when Elisha meets her, it is clear to him that she is in bitter distress. (II Kings 4:27) So I do not think that her saying, “All is well” should be taken as any kind of firm expectation that her son would come back to life. That is just not an expected outcome, even with a man of God like Elisha at hand. (Just last week we saw Mary and Martha, well acquainted with Jesus Himself, not at all expecting Lazarus to rise again right then!) Instead, “All is well” displays a confidence in the goodness of God, regardless of the circumstances of the moment. With the death of her boy, rather than turning away from God in anger, disappointment, and bitterness, the Shunammite woman runs (quite literally) toward God and clings to Him in the person of Elisha. (II Kings 4:30)
May we likewise trust in the overwhelming love and goodness and faithfulness of God.
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.
All is well.