AND THE LORD HEARD THE VOICE OF ELIJAH

There are many things that we are told about Elijah, but perhaps the outstanding fact among them is that he was a man who prayed. ‘Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed’, Jas. 5. 17.

These verses tell us of just one occasion when this happened. Elijah’s trust in God had been tested at Cherith and he had proved that God did not fail him. Now with the widow at Zarephath, he had proved that the barrel of meal did not waste, neither did the cruse of oil fail. All was well, even amidst the drought and famine. God has always more to teach us about faith and trust in Him. Elijah was suddenly confronted with an even greater challenge to his faith. The widow whose house had definitely been blessed by his presence was suddenly plunged into tragedy. Her son became ill and eventually died. Humanly speaking there was no hope. Verse 18 makes it clear that in accordance with her beliefs as a Jewess, she immediately thought that this was retribution for some sin she had committed.

Let us remark that sickness is not necessarily the result of committed sin. We have to remember that God does not punish us for sin in this way. Such thoughts can be damaging to our lives as Christians. Elijah had the answer to the problem in his God. ‘Give me thy son’, v. 19. He brought him into God’s presence.

This is a very touching incident, and we can learn something from it regarding our involvement with children. As we seek to win them for the Lord, there is no better thing that we can do than to bring them to the Lord in prayer. How many of us represent the fruits of those who brought us before the Lord in their prayers many times.

Notice the earnestness of the prophet and his closeness to the child. ‘He stretched himself upon the child three times’, v. 21. He was as close to him as he could be. He prayed for recovery of life and it came. Let us ask today, how near do we get to the children that we pray for, whether in our own families or others entrusted to our care? Many young lives are being ruined at an early age. We see their need, but often only from a distance. When the mothers brought the children to Jesus, He took them in His arms and blessed them. Care, compassion, love, and sympathy will drive us to prayer. God answered Elijah’s prayer; He will ours!

Thought: - ‘Of such is the kingdom of heaven’, Matt. 19. 14.