"Take up your son". This was the son whom God had given this woman in answer to Elisha's prayer and yet who had died as she nursed him when he was carried home sick from the fields. That devastating experience made her angry that the prophet had deceived her - giving her a son to ... Read more

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". Many years ago I heard a man pray, 'I thank you God you are my pal'. I've often wondered where that man is now! If the Almighty is your 'pal' you will need someone greater to see you through the rigours of life. If the ... Read more

"he blessed them". If the Son of God gave thanks, should not we? Many of us might have thought it unnecessary to give thanks for so small a meal. The food was distributed only after the Lord had blessed it. It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich and multiplies what we do. ... Read more

"they do not ask the Lord for guidance. This is why they have failed". The Lord is ready to answer all who will call upon Him and give guidance at every crossroads in life. Those who love and serve Him could have no greater Saviour, Lord and Friend. It is sad when those who could ... Read more

"to be rich in good deeds". Paul has been playing on the word 'rich', speaking of the uncertainty of worldly riches compared with the eternal reward that comes from a rich and generous spirit. Good deeds will be the evidence of a generous heart. This is not a one-off action done out of guilt or ... Read more

"Why do we need any more testimony? ". If power is in the hands of those whose minds are made up, no further evidence is needed. The elders of the people, the chief priests and the scribes, decided that Jesus of Nazareth was safe enough in their custody for some sort of case to be ... Read more

"Behold, I am here, Lord". It was as though Ananias was just waiting for the Lord to give him instructions. It would come as no surprise that the Lord spoke to him by a vision. We wonder whether he would have been so ready to be told if he had known he was to be ... Read more

"But now bring me a harpist". Several times in the Bible we find an instrumentalist playing to soothe or inspire the troubled mind. In this case Elisha was disturbed to face the evil king of Israel who had come for advice along with the king of Judah. In the early days of his employment in ... Read more

"men ought always to pray, and not to faint". Prayer, an antidote to fainting, brings relief as follows: First, by the knowledge that there is an Advocate who will attend to one's need. Secondly, that any who are overwhelmed are invited, indeed, welcomed, to take advantage of this offer. Thirdly, as a result of prayer, ... Read more

"Is there not a warfare to man upon the earth? ". Life is not easy, or it might be better to say that those who have things easy do not get very far in this life. One translation of this verse says that life is like forced army service. We are certainly conscripted into it ... Read more