Worldly Honor

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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"And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? Wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host?" 2 Kings 4:1313And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. (2 Kings 4:13).
When this test of worldly honor is set before the Shunammite woman, her response is intelligent, decisive and ready.
Earthly, worldly honor, appealing to the natural heart, soon passes, but this beautiful answer of faith would bring eternal blessing, faith expecting that God will do what He says in His own time and way.
"By faith Moses, when he had become great, refused to be called son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction along with the people of God than to have the temporary pleasure of sin; esteeming the reproach of the Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he had respect to the recompense." Heb. 11:24-2624By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. (Hebrews 11:24‑26) JND.
Just at the time Moses was in a position to take over the throne of Egypt, he chose rather to dwell with the people of God, and his name is inscribed in heaven, not on a tomb in Egypt.
Perhaps Heb. 11:3333Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (Hebrews 11:33), "obtained promises," and verse 34, "out of weakness... made strong," include the great woman.
"And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she bath no child, and her husband is old. And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. And he said, About this season, ac cording to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life." 2 Kings 4:14-1714And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. 15And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. 16And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. 17And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life. (2 Kings 4:14‑17).
The Shunammite knew well that the prophet's choice for her was far better than anything she could ask, and this confidence made her great. She received the same blessing as Abraham, a son, a miracle beyond nature, but God acts in sovereignty and delights to bless in His own way. The inheritance was now assured.
Choosing our own path in this world leads to disappointment and prolonged bitterness. Choices of all kinds-ecclesiastic, business or marriage-must be left with the Lord, as Hezekiah said, "Undertake for me."