Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0417A recorded on September 13, 1981 teaching from 2 Kings 4:8-17 – How God Engages the Attention of Others Towards Individuals.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens explores the theme of divine engagement through human interaction, particularly focusing on the role of hospitality towards God’s ministers. Drawing lessons from the lives of Elijah and Elisha, Stevens emphasizes that God often uses individuals to draw attention to His servants, highlighting how a “man of God” is recognized not just by position but by divine calling. He illustrates this by detailing the Shunammite woman’s selfless provision of a room for Elisha, equipped with essentials like a bed for rest, a table for writing and eating, a stool for meditation, and a candlestick for illumination, which metaphorically represent the spiritual nourishment and insight a minister requires. Pastor Stevens culminates in the powerful idea that generosity and genuine care for God’s ministry lead to profound personal blessings, as exemplified by the woman who, despite claiming no needs, received the miraculous fulfillment of her deepest desire—a child—because she honored God’s servant.