Everyday Miracles: 20 Day Journey With Elijah And ElishaSample

The Gospel is better than what anyone could have dared to request. 

The wealthy Shunammite woman, who regularly showed hospitality to Elisha, had a deep, secret dream. Though she seemed to be a woman who had it all – a fine husband, a fine bank account and a fine home- she lacked what she most wanted: a son. When the prophet announced that God would give her a baby boy within a year, the woman’s response was understandable. 

Don’t lie to me man of God.

It was as if she said, How dare you touch upon my deepest dream? How could you be so cruel as to arouse the grief I tucked away so long ago? My husband and I are old; the dream of a son has long past. What you say is too good to be true. Don’t lie to me.

The Gospel is like that. It’s the good news that your soul has always craved. The Gospel is good news so good that no one could have (or would have dared) asked of God. Who could have asked for something like this?:

Lord, we know we justly deserve your displeasure and that, without the shedding of blood, there will be no forgiveness of our sins. And we know there is no adequate sacrifice on earth that we can offer. 

So O God, the eternal, Creator of the universe, would you do this for us?

Would you come to earth and take on flesh just like us? Stoop to be human.

Would you endure being mocked, persecuted and flogged, like the very worst of all criminals, just for us?

Would you take the death penalty for our sins, and allow us to kill you on a cross in the manner of our most heinous criminals?

Would you become our sin and give us your righteousness?

Would you spend three days in the grave and then arise from the dead?

Would you send us your own dear Spirit after you return to Heaven so that we could live an abundant life on this Earth and then securely with you for all eternity?

And, would you make a new heaven and a new earth and give me a new, resurrected body and make me to reign with you forever and forever? O would you God?

No one could have dreamt up a prayer so bold. Only God could produce good news that good. It’s no lie. It is the Good News of Jesus Christ. And that’s the Gospel!

Questions for Reflection

1) Did you ever have a deep desire that was unmet for years but later fulfilled? How did it feel? How did it change you?

2) Unlike some eastern religions, Christianity doesn’t denigrate desire. In fact, according to scripture, God delights in giving us the “desires of our hearts.” What are some of the desires of your heart? 

3) The Gospel is such good news because it answers the deepest questions and greatest longings of our souls. Spend a few moments journaling about all the ways the Gospel fulfills our deepest longings. 

Prayer for the Day

Lord, you are the Desire of Nations. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I live and move and have my being in you. In all, and through all, you provide everything I need. With confidence that you are the God who delights in giving His children the desires of their hearts, I bring my deep desire to you today. Hear my heart’s desire ______________________________. And always, Lord, keep my heart content in you. I pray in Jesus’ name, AMEN.