The story of the widow of Zarephath is extraordinary. She receives a rare miracle when she and her son are on the verge of starving to death and the prophet Elijah makes a way out of no way. That should be enough. A happy ending. This week her story continues with the unexpected illness of her child. Yesterday’s miracle is forgotten. But God and her prophet come through with the gift of life. How many women in scripture receive more than one miracle at the hands of God? None that I can think of. And as Jesus taught in last week’s gospel, God chose a foreign woman on the margins to demonstrate her power and faithfulness. This week she is in the company of widows in Acts and Luke. The resurrection of her son is followed by the resurrection of Tabitha and the son of the widow from Nain. Death doesn’t stand a chance. This is the power of God made manifest in Jesus.
Epiphany 7
- by Wil
- February 18, 2022
- Preaching, Sermon, Womens Lectionary
- 0
Wil
Biblical scholar in Hebrew and Hebrew Bible: special interest in translation textual plurality, (Septuagint, Dead Seas Scrolls, Samaritan Pentateuch, Aleppo Codex, Leningrad Codex); feminist, womanist and post-colonial biblical interpretation; prophets and prophecy in the Ancient Near East and ancient Israel Episcopal priest, product of the Black Church, author, blogger, preacher, teacher, lecturer, public speakerRelated Posts
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