Readings for today: 1 Kings 17-19
For most of my life, when I’ve read the story of Elijah, I tend to focus on his confrontation with King Ahab or his showdown with the prophets of Baal or his flight from Jezebel or perhaps most of all, his encounter with God on the mountain. However, in recent years, I’ve spent more time focusing on the widow of Zarephath. Reading her story reminds me of so many of the women I’ve met in places like Uganda and Ethiopia and Rwanda. Windows who spend their days gathering sticks into large bundles and carrying them on their backs to market. Day in and day out they do this work. Week after week. Month after month. Year after year until their bodies give out. They trade their labor for food or for a little cash. They barely make enough to eat much less save. They never take a day off. They never take a vacation. This is the kind of woman Elijah meets when he arrives in Zarephath. She takes time out from her back-breaking labor to bring him a drink. She willingly sacrifices her last bit of flour and oil - what was going to be her final meal with her son before they died - and gives it to Elijah to eat. Despite her suffering, she never wavers in showing hospitality to this man of God. It’s awe-inspiring.
As I said, I’ve met this widow many times before. I’ve spent time in her home. I’ve shared a meal with her. I’ve watched her prepare what little she has to entertain strangers from afar. I’ve been touched by her gracious hospitality. Despite the fact that she’s worked all day. Made two or three long trips to the local watering hole. Finished her chores. Fed her children and put them to bed. She still finds time to serve. She still finds time to love. I am convinced this is why God answers her prayers. I am convinced this is why God works miracles on her behalf. She has a simple, yet profound faith. She doesn’t complain. Doesn’t question. Doesn’t cop a bad attitude. She is faithful. She is obedient. She trusts the Lord and she is blessed.
How I wish I could be like the widow! How I wish I could live with such simple faith! She has become my teacher in so many ways. She has taught me how to pray. She has taught me how to worship. She has taught me how to sing. She has taught me how to dance. She has taught me how to serve and love and sacrifice for Jesus. When I follow her example, I find my eyes being lifted above the hills. My gaze fixes on Jesus as I realize I am in the presence of one of His very special, beloved children. The widows I’ve met are like “advance scouts” for the Kingdom of God. They are much further along in the journey than I am and Jesus is faithful to send them back to encourage me along the way. They are not just bit players in some other person’s story…even if that person is Elijah himself! They are numbered among God’s greatest saints in glory!
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 20-21