And he said, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” 2 Kings 4:14
I saw a clever Christmas commercial recently which told the story of a guy buying a secret Santa gift for a coworker for the office Christmas party. Not knowing his assigned person, he perused her social media to see what was important to her and then, taking a few cues from her posts, he put together a heartwarming gift that the recipient was obviously touched by. It was a moving moment, ingeniously crafted by an advertising agency. Artificial as it may have been, there’s a lesson in the story. If you want to do something kind for someone, find out their needs and wants.
Often, when I recognize someone around me is in crisis, I feel compelled to say something. So, I may say something like this – Let me know if you need anything. I sort-of want to help, but also, I probably just want credit for offering. Deep down, I know that they’re probably not going to call me and tell me that they could really use help moving snow while their loved one is in the hospital. My wife is better at this. When someone is in the hospital, she starts putting together meals for the family. She anticipates needs and she shows up, asking they need. Meanwhile, I’m sitting at home. Call me if you need anything. I might answer.
Today’s passage illustrates this concept. In the story, a wealthy woman went to some effort to feed and house the prophet Elisha as he frequently traveled through her town. In response, Elisha wished to do something for her. So, he asked her what she needed. I’m fine. I don’t need anything. Elisha didn’t accept that answer though, inquiring of his servant, who must have been more perceptive than Elisha. The servant told Elisha that the woman was barren and that her husband was old. She needs a son. Elisha called the woman to him, miraculously predicting that in a year, she would be holding her own newborn son.
Jesus commands me to love my neighbors. To show love, I must understand need. One of my best excuses to do nothing then, is to simply say, I don’t see any need. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’d bet that Jesus would say that is my responsibility. I’d also bet that Jesus is unimpressed by my Let me know if you need anything. To follow Jesus is to recognize need around me and then do what I can to meet those needs. I may not have miraculous powers like Elisha, but I’ve always got some time, energy, or money that I can give. Daily, the choice is mine. Am I going to be self-absorbed, living only for myself? Or am I going to recognize the needs around me, obey Jesus, and meet those needs?