1 Kings 17:17-24 And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore… The mother, overwhelmed with sorrow, severely rebukes Elijah, and charges him with the loss of her son. This conduct may be accounted for(1) By a feeling of human nature which always seeks .to blame something, or some person, for any calamity which may befall us; and(2) By a feeling of superstition which looks upon all afflictions as judgments from God. But how different is Elijah's conduct towards the widow. He does not resent her rebuke, as he might have done; he does not cross her troubled spirit, but sympathises with her, and treats her with exquisite tenderness. I. NO HOME EXEMPT FROM THE TRIALS AND SUFFERINGS OF THIS LIFE. This widow would doubtless be looked upon with envy by her neighbours. They would think that in the midst of the distress suffered by them that she was free, and protected by an unseen hand from wretchedness and woe. But a deeper sorrow than they imagined was soon her portion. And in looking upon some homes we are apt to think that they are strangers to the ordinary trials and sorrows of life. There is no home that can exclude these. II. THE DEEPEST SORROW MAY BE MADE THE INSTRUMENT OF OUR HIGHEST GOOD. III. AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE POWER OF PRAYER. (Thomas Cain.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. |
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