A Bed, A Table, A Chair, And A Lamp

One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat. She said to her husband, “I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. Let’s build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by.” [2 Kings 4.8-10]

First off, it is important to realize that this woman and her husband were wealthy. Wealthy means, they were not limited for resources.

With that in mind, this woman decided to equip a man of God (Elisha) to stay at her place as a blessing to him.

So, here's my point, with unlimited resources, the provisions the woman provided the man of God were a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. At least in this woman's view, a man of God needed a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. It could be surmised that if the man of God needed anything else, the woman would have (because she certainly could have) provided it.

A bed, a table, a chair and a lamp.

Everyone man of God needs rest (let it be said here that although I am using the masculine gender, this application is gender neutral). It would make sense that this is a priority because it is listed first. If a person is to truly walk in life as a "man of God" then it is essential to be rested. It might be concluded that anyone aspiring to be man of God will need to get sufficient rest. This will certainly mean excluding other agenda items from his life. Time is precious and so is rest.

May I personally just add here that when I am not rested, I do not as easily hear from God.

Next, a table is listed. There are two things that take place 'at the table' and they are really one. The table is a place of nourishment both physically and spiritually. Both are essential. A man of God needs sufficient physical sustenance just like he needs sufficient rest. But also, a man of God needs sufficient spiritual sustenance! 

As will be seen in the following paragraph the table serves as a place of spiritual intake along with a chair, but, unlike the chair alone, the table serves as a place to write. Writing is an essential part of spiritual growth! Writing is best facilitated with a table.

A chair is necessary as part of the table, for one thing. But, for another, perhaps more important thing, a chair is an important place of contemplation, temporary rest, fellowship, prayer, and reading.

The role of a lamp is not to be overlooked or downplayed. Besides for the role of the bed, the other two articles are practically useless without a lamp to make them functional!

Yes, every man of God needs these things listed here. This is a good starting place for equipping ourselves to be men and women of God. However, it cannot be overlooked that all of these furnishings are without effect unless there is a room. A separate place where rest, nourishment and response to God (writing) can take place is absolutely necessary. The room provides privacy and quiet. Devotion to God will not take place in noisy crowded environments.

It makes sense to me that, if we are to have a proper relationship with God, we too should tend to these essential needs for devotion.

Father, I have never seen this practical application about the room the woman provided Elisha until today. Thank You for making it visible to me today.