Readings for today: 1 Kings 17-19, Psalms 99
For most of my life, when I’ve read the story of Elijah, I tended 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. Widows 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 and as I head over to Ethiopia this week, I imagine I will meet many more. I’ve spent time in their homes. I’ve shared meals with them. I’ve watched them prepare what little they have to entertain strangers from afar. I’ve been touched by their gracious hospitality. Despite the fact that they work all day, make two or three long trips to the local watering hole, finish their chores, feed their children and put them to bed; they still find time to serve. They still find time to love. I am convinced this is why God answers their prayers. I am convinced this is why God works miracles on their behalf. These widows have a simple, yet profound faith. They don’t complain. They don’t question. They don’t have a bad attitude. They never make it about them. They are faithful. They are obedient. They trust the Lord and they are blessed.
How I wish I could be like these widows! How I wish I could live with such simple faith! They have become my teachers in so many ways. They have taught me to pray. They have taught me to worship. They have taught me to sing. They have taught me to dance. They have taught me how to serve and love and sacrifice for Jesus. When I follow their 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 today: 1 Kings 20-22, Psalms 100