by Michael Hopkins
The Bible, in 2 Kings 4:1-7, tells a remarkable story of the prophet Elisha and a widow’s miraculous escape from debt through the multiplication of olive oil1. This story, when juxtaposed with the historical event known as "The Big Lift"2, provides a profound exploration of faith, miracles, and divine intervention in times of crisis.
The Widow’s Plight and Elisha’s Intervention
The story begins with a widow’s desperate plea to Elisha. Her husband, a man who revered the Lord, had died, leaving her with a debt she could not pay. The creditor threatened to take her two sons as slaves1. In response to her plight, Elisha asked, “What do you have in your house?” The widow replied that she had nothing but a small jar of olive oil1.
Elisha instructed her to borrow as many empty jars as she could from her neighbors. Then, behind closed doors, she was to pour oil from her small jar into all the other jars1. As she did this, the oil miraculously multiplied until all the jars were filled1. Elisha then told her to sell the oil, pay her debts, and live on what was left1.
The Big Lift: A Modern-Day Miracle
“The Big Lift” refers to the Berlin Airlift of 1948-492. After the Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin, the U.S. Air Force and other allies airlifted food and supplies to the city2. Despite dangerous flying conditions and political tensions, the airlift continued, providing a lifeline to the people of Berlin2.
Drawing Parallels: Faith in the Face of Adversity
In both stories, we see a crisis that seems insurmountable from a human perspective - a widow facing the loss of her sons to slavery, and a city facing starvation due to a blockade12. Yet, in both cases, deliverance comes in an unexpected and miraculous way.
The widow, acting on Elisha’s instructions, sees a small jar of oil fill many jars1. The people of Berlin, trapped by the blockade, see planes fill the sky, bringing much-needed supplies2. In both cases, the response to the crisis is not just a solution, but a miracle that exceeds all expectations.
Lessons Learned: The Power of Faith and Divine Intervention
These stories remind us of the power of faith and the possibility of divine intervention in our lives. The widow acted on Elisha’s instructions, showing her faith in God’s power1. Similarly, the pilots and crews involved in The Big Lift showed determination and courage, believing in their mission’s success despite the odds2.
In conclusion, the story of Elisha and the widow, along with the historical event of The Big Lift, serve as powerful reminders of how faith can bring about miraculous solutions in times of crisis. They encourage us to trust in divine provision and intervention, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. As we reflect on these stories, may we be inspired to live out our faith with courage and conviction.
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