From Splendor to Shadow

Hospitality Rewarded

Wonderfully were her faith and generosity rewarded. “She, and he, and her house did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which He spake by Elijah.” SS 68.2

“After these things ... the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. And she said unto Elijah, ... Art thou come to me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?” SS 68.3

“And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he ... carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed ... . And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord ... . And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.” SS 68.4

“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. And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth.” SS 68.5

The widow of Zarephath shared her morsel with Elijah, and in return her life and that of her son were preserved. And to all who give sympathy and assistance to others more needy, God has promised great blessing. His power is no less now than in the days of Elijah. “He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward.” Matthew 10:41. SS 68.6

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2. Our heavenly Father still places in the pathway of His children opportunities that are blessings in disguise; and those who improve these opportunities find great joy. “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then ... you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:10, 11, RSV. SS 69.1

Today Christ says, “He that receiveth you receiveth Me.” No act of kindness shown in Christ's name will fail to be rewarded. And Christ includes even the lowliest of the family of God: “Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones”—those who are as children in faith and knowledge—“a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” Matthew 10:40-42. SS 69.2