Grace notes // When We Were Kings Part 2
Week 3 // It’s a Blessing to Be a Blessing
Written by Kelsey Underwood
“Take good care of the person taking care of you.”
-Pastor TL Rogers
This past Sunday, Pastor TL Rogers guided us through 2 Kings 4:8-17 where we learned about the Shunammite woman.
We found Elisha journeying through a town named Shunem. Out of all the people in the town, only one woman perceived the prophet Elisha to be a holy man of God. She saw this key characteristic of Elisha. Pastor TL urged us not to miss seeing the holy men and women of God in our lives - those who have given themselves to living a life led by Christ, elders of our faith, and spiritual leaders. He reminded us of how Jesus was perceived as ordinary in His own hometown. His own people missed seeing He was the Son of God and ultimately, ended up rejecting Him.
Sometimes, it’s easy to miss truly seeing and appreciating the people who quietly care for us.
When we recognize the holy men and women around us, we need to be like the Shunamite woman and serve them. What if we consider what skills and talents that could be used to serve God’s people, especially our pastors, who are often underappreciated? Pastor TL challenged us to get creative in the ways we can serve. Whether it’s sending meals, helping with yard work, offering our writing skills, or even just offering our time as reliable volunteers, we can own a part in blessing those that lead us.
I find myself in awe when I begin to reflect on all the unique and creative ways God has equipped us as a church to bless others.
The Shunammite woman’s servanthood honored Elisha, an example to us of how to serve those who lead us. Pastor TL exclaimed, “It is a blessing to be a blessing to a blessed person.” He reminded us of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12. God declared to His people that if they bless Abraham who is blessed, He will bless them. While reflecting on this verse, I imagined a body of water when a pebble hits the surface. The pebble creates ripple effects far and wide. When we bless others, it creates a magnificent ripple effect of encouragement within the Kingdom of God.
It’s important to remember that when we talk about serving and honoring the holy people in our lives, it is not about placing them on pedestals. Making idols of them can lead to pain and destruction within ourselves and the Church. Yes, our pastors and the holy people in our lives are human but, it would be a tragedy to ignore or miss opportunities to serve and honor them. Knowing our pastors work incredibly hard to serve and care for all of us, it’s important that we demonstrate the value of the seen and unseen work of their hands, their obedience to God, and their servant hearts.
May we not miss the rich opportunity to bless those who have blessed us.
IN THE WORD
2 Kings 4
Luke 4:14-30
Genesis 12:1-3
PROCESSING
Who is someone in your life that you see as a holy man or woman of God?
What are specific ways you can honor and serve them?
What gifts and talents do you have that you could use to bless GCC, it’s pastors, and our community?