03.17. The Widow's Care of the Prophet

The Widow’s Care of the Prophet But great must have been the distress and anguish of the widowed mother. Though the sons of the prophets had most probably interceded in her behalf, her creditor, who evidently hated the people of God, for he oppressed those who were quiet in the land, was only the more importunate. Deprived of every earthly hope, she was now driven back upon Him who is emphatically "the Judge of the widow, and the Father of the fatherless." But many a saint under the law could not approach the throne of grace with that "boldness and access with confidence" which the children of the new covenant enjoy by faith in Christ. "The way into the holiest was not then made manifest;" the veil was not taken away. Hence did many a dark cloud seem to intercept the prayers of Old Testament saints, arising from the consciousness they had of their own unworthiness. When the glory of the Divine majesty, before which the angels veil their faces, discovered to them their own vileness and deformity, they thought it presumption to importune the Almighty about their own insignificant concerns. What conflict and effort did it then cost the trembling petitioner, to penetrate even to the threshold of the sanctuary, while his heart sank within him at the first glance of the Most Holy! But we, brethren, are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace, in the name of Him who became man for us. We can say, what no ancient Israelite could, Lord! thou hast been "touched with the feeling of our infirmities," having been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. We can exclaim, Abba, Father! hear us for the sake of Jesus, thy well-beloved Son, who is "not ashamed to call us brethren." We know that "we, who believe" in Him, "are justified from all things, from which we could not be justified by the law of Moses." With what delightful assurances does prayer ascend assisted by such reflections as these! How easily may we now soar above every cloud in the security of this consciousness; for it is our inestimable privilege to know the great work of reconciliation by blood, by the blood of God manifest in the flesh! But the Old Testament saints had recourse to the prophets, and employed them as mediators between the Almighty and themselves. Thus did this poor widow hasten to Elisha, as one having nearer access to the Lord than she had; and as one who, being endowed with Divine gifts and powers, would be able to counsel and help her. With tears and lamentations she appears before him, saying, "Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen." This it seems was all she could utter in her grief and distress. No request is made, but her desire is plainly enough intimated, in what she has expressed, and in her imploring looks. She was doubtless acquainted with the wonderful event that had not very long since taken place at Zarephath. Such histories, in seasons of calamity and want, tend surprisingly to sustain our wavering faith, and to strengthen our hearts. She might have reasoned, that if the widow of Zarephath obtained relief, why should she herself be forsaken; and that Elisha would surely not be less able to work similar deliverance in the name of his God, than Elijah, with whose mantle he was now invested.