Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few.
2 Kings 4:3
If you read the fourth chapter of 2 Kings, you will read an exciting story. A poor widow was about to lose her two sons to her creditors and cried out to the prophet Elisha for help. The prophet asked her, "How can I help you? What do you have at home?" The widow responded, "Nothing, except a small jar of olive oil." Elisha then sent her and her sons around their neighborhood to collect empty jars. God filled every jar with oil and saved her two sons.
Interestingly, the widow first told the prophet she had nothing at home. I believe she probably thought she had nothing of value. However, she did have something valuable. She had a small jar of olive oil, which symbolizes God's goodness in the Bible. Once she poured out the little bit of oil into the empty vessels, God multiplied it and filled them.
This Bible story teaches us that God is our provider, that our faith and obedience can change our circumstances, AND that when we pour God's goodness into empty vessels, God fills those vessels and blesses us simultaneously. My friends, no matter where you live, I am sure there are many empty lives around you.
The widow did not think her little jar with oil could make a difference, but it saved her family. You may not think you have much to give now, but you do. A simple encouraging word, a hug, or a short visit to a friend can change lives. God fills empty lives when we share His goodness with others.
If you have not seen God's hand moving on your behalf lately, go around your neighborhood collecting empty vessels. Call a friend and lift his spirit, buy someone lunch, check on your elderly neighbors, cook dinner for a single mother and her children, pour God's goodness on the people around you, and see how God blesses your life while you fill empty vessels.
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