Why Prayer Is Effective (2 Kin. 4:25b-37) (Part 6)

Why would the woman go through all that work to get to Elisha and persuade him to return with her? She knew Elisha was her only hope. Without realizing it, she modeled effective prayer for us.

There is one last question that needs to be answered. Why did Elisha return with her? He returned with the woman because he cared for her. Once Elisha realized that it was the Shunammite woman who was approaching, the first thing out of his mouth was to inquire about her welfare. “When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to Gehazi his servant, 'Behold, there is the Shunammite. Please run now to meet her and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’'” (2 Kin. 4:25b-26a)

Just as Elisha cared for the woman, her husband and her son, so Jesus Christ cares for you.

• Elisha's name means 'God is Savior.' Who is your Savior? Your Savior is (or should be) Jesus. What does Jesus, your Savior, save you from? He saves you from your sin. What is sin? Sin is more than something that happens to you; it is something that you do, whether by commission or omission. Sin is violation of God's laws; sin is missing the mark or falling short (Rom. 3:23).
•  Jesus showed His loving care for you by dying on a cross. 
• He endured the cross because of your sins. 
• He died for you and in place of you (Rom. 5:6-8; 2 Cor. 5:21).
• He took your punishment (death) upon himself.
• You take His righteousness upon yourself.
• In yourself no good thing dwells (Rom. 3:10-12).
• By yourself you cannot please God (Rom. 8:8).
• The cross of Jesus, the demonstration of God's love for you, demands a response.
• “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”¹ (Isaac Watts)
• Response #1 > I will cherish the old rugged cross and gladly take upon myself its demand for total dominion in my life.
• Response #2 > I will reject the old rugged cross and continue to believe that my own good works are enough, even when the Bible says they are not (Eph. 2:8-9).

Who will cherish the old rugged cross of Jesus right now?

• Who will ask Jesus for forgiveness from sin?
• Who will surrender his or her will, pleasure, and future to God's plan and purposes?

1Watts, Isaac. “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.” Hymns of Glorious Praise. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969. Hymn #88. Second half of verse 4.

(Tomorrow's post:  part 2 of the conclusion.)