Elijah

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Death of a Good Man

A good man just died. We think he died too soon. He was a necessary part of my sister’s life, of his children’s lives, of all of our lives. He was a man of integrity who had a big laugh and a gentle spirit. He was wise, kind, inquisitive, determined, generous, and most importantly he followed hard after God.

Why do good men die too soon? I have known several that were called home sooner than expected. We ask why and God seems to be silent. Rather, I think we don’t want to hear. God has a right to call those who love Him home. They belong to Him, after all, not to us.

Enoch is a case in point. It appears he was closer to God than any of the others mentioned in Genesis, but his time on earth was less than half the length of others. It says “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. “ (Genesis 5:23)

Elijah was another example of someone who went home sooner than expected, much to the dismay of Elisha. (See II Kings 2) Elisha knew God was calling Elijah home. He refused to leave his side. When other prophets told Elisha that his master was going home, he told them to be quiet. Elijah’s homegoing was a little more spectacular than normal. A chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them and Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind…and Elisha grieved. He didn’t celebrate; he tore his clothes.

So too, those of us left grieve. We know God has a right to call them home, but we grieve our loss. We put our head down and stumble on. We answer we are ok when people ask, but it will take us awhile to be ok. Our comfort comes in knowing they are home with the God who loves them. They are no longer struggling with sin and this world. They don’t have pain or sorrow; for God has wiped away their tears.

It says in Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones.”

God calls home those who have served him well to give them rest. Their work here is done.  Their new life has begun. We should not wish them back here.  We should pray that the God of all comfort would give us the comfort and grace we need to continue to serve Him well in their absence.

“Have I not given you your orders? Take heart and be strong, have no fear and do not be troubled; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”           Joshua 1:9 BBE

In memory of my brother-in-law Dennis J, Schilling (August 8, 1953 –  March 7, 2024)

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Dealing with Anxiety – Study 4 – The Widow of Zarephath

 

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Today I am thankful the state parks have been “reopened”. There was some confusion between the powers that be and the park workers. Thankfully it was sorted out and the barricades are down. The pictures above are of “Cave Point” in Wisconsin.

I am thankful that my children all have jobs that are considered “essential”.

I am thankful my husband is retired and safe at home.

I am thankful that Arianna has two neighbor children she can “play” with by keeping a garden hose on the lot line to remind them of social boundaries.

I am thankful that piano lessons can continue for Arianna with the magic of Zoom. It is a miracle I was able to figure out the technology to set it up with her piano teacher.

I am also thankful for a good supply of clean water; for plenty of food in my cupboards.

We will be looking at a widow who was in much more dire straights than we are. There was a famine in the land, and the innocent were suffering.

I Kings 16:29-34 will set the stage for the story that can be found in I Kings 17:1-24.

God does at least 3 miracles here. See if you can find more. Notice how God provides for Elijah. Why are these things unusual?

Here is the study template if you need it. anxiety template

I’m eager to hear what you learn from these passages. Don’t forget to comment below. As always, let me know if I can pray for you in any way. Prayer comes easier these days