So this has taken me some time and thought but I'm quite sure this is the path I am supposed to take. Over the last few months, I've encountered well listened to three different sermons from three different pastors that have circled around this concept of 2 Kings and shutting the door.
Let's take a closer look because someone needs this...
In the book of 2 Kings, we encounter a powerful and often overlooked symbol - the act of shutting the door. Let's explore the significance of this action and what it can teach us about our faith and relationship with God.
In 2 Kings 4:4, we find the story of the widow who was in desperate need. She sought the counsel of Elisha, a prophet of God. When asked about her possessions in her home to stop the creditors, she said she only had a jar of oil. No jewels, no coins, just a jar of oil. Elisha instructed her to gather the empty vessels (that she borrowed from her neighbors) and pour the small amount of oil she had left into them. He then said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest." (2 Kings 4:7).
But wait... Now, here's the crucial moment: Elisha advised the widow, "Shut the door behind you and your sons" (2 Kings 4:4).
Why did he ask her to do this?
The act of shutting the door represents an act of faith and obedience. It signifies that she was to have a private, intimate encounter with God's provision.
Sometimes, we need to shut the door to the distractions, doubts, and fears that surround us. We must close out the noise of the world and open our hearts to God's provision and guidance.
Just as the widow trusted Elisha's words, we are called to trust God's promises even when circumstances seem dire.
Shutting the door also signifies a turning point in our lives. It's an acknowledgment that we are seeking God's intervention and surrendering control. In doing so, we make room for His miraculous work. The widow's obedience to shut the door led to the multiplication of oil, meeting her needs abundantly.
In our lives, shutting the door might mean spending time in prayer, seeking God's guidance through His Word, or entering a season of solitude and reflection.
It's an act of drawing near to God, recognizing His provision, and allowing Him to work in our circumstances. There are 31 verses in the Bible that specially speak on shutting the door.
2 Chronicles 28:24
2 Chronicles 29:7
Ezekiel 44: 1-2
Nehemiah 6:10
Malach 1:10
Psalms 88-8
Job 38:8
Job 38:10
Ecclesiastes 12:4
Hebrews 9/8
Genesis 7:16
Genesis 9:6
Samuel 13:18
Genesis 19:10
Judges 3:23
2 Kings 4:4
Isiah 26:20
Matthew 6:6
Ezekiel 3:24
Matthew 6:6
2 Kings 4:33
John 20:19
John 20:26
Acts 5:23
Luke 13:25
Isiah 24:10
Leviticus 14:38, 14:46
2 Kings 6:32
Like 11: 7
As you reflect on 2 Kings and the significance of shutting the door, consider the areas in your life where you need God's provision, guidance, or transformation.
Are you willing to shut the door on doubts and distractions, opening yourself to a deeper relationship with Him?
Trust that just as God provided for the widow in her time of need, He will provide for you.
May you find the strength to shut the door on doubt, fear, and distraction, and open your heart fully to God's miraculous work in your life.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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