The Lord Raises the Dead
And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: And Elijah said, See, thy son liveth. 1 Kings 17:23
Read 1 Kings 17:17-24
The only son of the widow of Zarephath became sick and died. Elijah took the young child from his mother’s lap and brought him to his room. There he earnestly prayed to the Lord, laying the need of the widow before the Almighty. He then stretched himself over the young child three times and again prayed to God for the performance of a miracle, namely, that the life of the widow’s son might be restored.
The Lord heard and answered that prayer, and the prophet gave the young child back to his mother. The Lord had performed a great miracle. Perhaps you know of someone who has been seriously ill in the past, but the Lord in His great mercy spared that person’s life. That was only due to the power of God!
But life goes on, and perhaps you still remain dead in your trespasses and sins. This indicates that you are not vitally attached to the Lord. Instead, your heart goes out to things of this life. If things are as they should be, your minister, the consistory and your parents pray daily that God’s kingdom might increase and that dead sinners might be made alive. The Lord still answers such requests today; He is able to do what no human being can perform. He makes spiritually dead sinners alive! This is an even greater miracle than when a physically dead person is brought back to life.
Thought: To truly live is to serve God.
Psalter 199:4,5 (based on Psalm 72) Now blessed be the Mighty One, Jehovah, God of Israel, For He alone has wonders done, And deeds in glory that excel. And blessed be His glorious Name, Long as the ages shall endure; O’er all the earth extend His fame. Amen, Amen, forever more.