38 Elisha returned to Gilgal and there was a famine in that region. While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these prophets.” 39 One of them went out into the fields to gather herbs and found a wild vine and picked as many of its gourds as his garment could hold. When he returned, he cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. 40 The stew was poured out for the men, but as they began to eat it, they cried out, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. 41 Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He put it into the pot and said, “Serve it to the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.
Here we read the story of a famine. The sons of the prophets or seminary students, looked for food and shared vegetables and other spices to be included in their community stew. One person gathered wild gourds, cut them up and put them in pot and cooked it with the rest of the food. As the men were eating, they began to choke and realized the gourds were poisonous. They cried out to Elisha who sprinkled flour into the pot and the food is made good again.
Out of ignorance he made a grave mistake. Such a mistake caused many to be sick and could have caused death. God, by His grace overcame the mistake. God was able to take what was bad and made it good again.
Innocence and ignorance are not guarantees of immunity from problems or consequences. Innocence and ignorance, according to the man’s law or God’s law, are no excuse if someone mistakes some poisonous food, the natural law of chemical reaction can be fatal. If a child innocently and ignorantly plays with fire, he can get burned.
Many people in innocence and ignorance believe religious activity will get them into heaven. They may worship in church regularly and think their attendance, or baptism, or some superficial confession means they're saved when they're really lost. Do not think I'm saying God overlooks innocence and ignorance and intervenes always to make it right.
Praise the Lord, He has given us His son Jesus to die for our sins and, miracle of miracles, resurrection overcomes death by faith and acceptance of Jesus. God brings salvation to all who believe.
Elisha by faith and obedience responded and by God’s miracle the people were protected and could finish their meal.
Ignorance causes harm in our lives. God on occasion intervenes and performs miracles or circumstances by His grace makes things right again. I also have an assurance that God can help me overcome my mistakes and carry out His good will. I do have the promise of Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” I can have the assurance that if He does not choose to bring about the results intended, He is still in charge and is worthy of my trust, praise, and love.
Application: Seek God's Word for truth to face our circumstances.
Prayer: Lord, I seek to hide Your Word in my heart that I might not sine against You. Your Word guides my path for Your name sake.
