Elisha Helps the People with Mercy

The prophet Elisha traveled from village to village serving God's people. First the widow of a prophet's disciple came to him: after her husband died, the creditor came to take her two sons as slaves, and only a tiny jar of oil remained in her house. Elisha told her to borrow as many empty jars as she could from her neighbors, then to pour out the little oil she had. The oil kept flowing and filled jar after jar, more than enough to sell, pay her debt, and keep her family alive. Later, in the town of Shunem, a wealthy but childless woman welcomed Elisha into her home and even built a little upper room on the roof for him. Because of her kindness, God gave her a son through Elisha. When the boy grew up, he suddenly died in his mother's lap; she rode hard to find Elisha. Elisha came to her house, went into the little room, shut the door, and prayed — and God brought the boy back to life. These miracles show us that God, through His servant, cares for every family in need with mercy.