#23: Give the Empty Room to Jesus: A Lesson in Hospitality and Faith

This message draws inspiration from the biblical accounts of two remarkable individuals: the Shunammite woman and the unnamed host who prepared a guest chamber for the Lord. These stories illustrate the importance of faith, hospitality, and devotion to God.\n\nThe Shunammite woman, described as \"great,\" despite her childlessness, made a choice that set her apart. Instead of dwelling on her misfortune, she chose to focus on what truly mattered: her love for God. She was determined to prepare an empty room in her house for the prophet Elisha, a man of God who frequently passed by. Her act of faith demonstrates the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God.\n\nThe metaphor of an \"empty room\" is extended to our own lives. It represents unmet needs, struggles, and challenges that we face. The message encourages us to give these empty rooms to Jesus. In other words, we are called to trust God with our problems and unfulfilled desires.\n\nThe story of the unnamed man who prepared a guest chamber for Jesus during the Passover is another powerful example of hospitality and faith. This man's actions symbolize our willingness to make room for Jesus in our lives. He recognized the significance of Jesus and offered his space for the Passover meal.\n\nThe message emphasizes that when we give our \"empty rooms\" to Jesus, we invite Him to fill those spaces with blessings, just as the Shunammite woman's empty room was eventually filled with the laughter of a child. It encourages us to trust God even when faced with challenges, knowing that He will meet our needs in His perfect timing.\n\nThe unnamed host's guest chamber for Jesus becomes a symbol of God's divine presence. It was in this room that Jesus shared the life-giving symbolism of His body and blood, and it was where the Holy Spirit was poured out. The lesson here is that when we prepare room for God in our lives, He blesses us in ways beyond our imagination.\n\nUltimately, the message encourages us to embrace the act of hospitality, faith, and trust in God. Just as Hannah dedicated her child Samuel to God and the Shunammite woman prepared a room for Elisha, we are invited to give our empty rooms to Jesus, trusting that He will fill them with His presence and blessings.