2 Reis 4:31

2 Kings 4:31

I. The reason why Gehazi failed to awaken the child was that he was not a fit agent for the wonder-working power. God saw in him the selfishness, the covetousness, which soon came to light, and so He refused to acknowledge him. To give life a man must have life, and have it in its purity and abundance.

II. There are some of you, many of you, who have lived long enough to have grown somewhat dull and dead. Boys and girls are "dead" dead in spirit, dead in the worst kind of death if they have lost all care for God, for truth, and righteousness, and kindness.

III. Some of you, if you are not dead, are at least "fast asleep." You are dreaming, and pursuing dreams. You have eyes, but they are not open.

IV. If you are diligent, thoughtful, quick to seize occasion as it rises, because it is your duty, because you love God and hold His law to be the true law of life, then you are alive and awake. And if you are alive and awake, your life will be a happy preparation for the better life to come.

S. Cox, The Bird's Nest, p. 64.

References: 2 Kings 4:31 . H. Macmillan, The Olive Leaf, p. 136. 2 Kings 4:31-34 . S. Baring-Gould, Village Preaching for a Year, vol. ii., Appendix, p. 24. 2 Kings 4:32-35 . J. M. Neale, Sermons in Sackville College, vol. iii., p. 78. 2 Kings 4:34 . D. J. Vaughan, The Days of the Son of Man, p. 400; Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. xxv., No. 1461. 2 Kings 4:34 , 2 Kings 4:35 . H. Macmillan, The Olive Leaf, p. 136. 2 Kings 4:36 , 2 Kings 4:37 . J. Budgen, Parochial Sermons, vol. i., p. 75. 2 Kings 4:38-41 . A. Edersheim, Elisha the Prophet, p. 115. 2 Kings 4:38-44 . Parker, vol. viii., p. 132. 2 Kings 4:40 . J. Thain Davidson, Talks with Young Men, p. 161; T. L. Cuyler, Christian World Pulpit, vol. xx., p. 104. 2 Kings 4:41 . J. M. Neale, Sermons in Sackville College, vol. iii., p. 86. 2 Kings 4:42 . H. Macmillan, Sunday Magazine, 1873, pp. 42, 126; J. dimming, Penny Pulpit, No. 072. 2 Kings 4:42 , 2 Kings 4:43 . T. Champness, New Coins from Old Gold, p. 21. 2 Kings 4:42-44 . A. Edersheim, Elisha the Prophet, p. 125. 2 Kings 4:0 Parker, vol. viii., p. 113.