The Study and the Pulpit 1 Kings 17:2-7 And the word of the LORD came to him, saying,… I. THE UNCERTAINTY OF EARTHLY COMFORTS. When Elijah went to Cherith under the direction of God, he would never dream of that brook becoming exhausted. What a picture of human life this is! How many there are of whose worldly comforts it may be said: "After a while the brook dried up." One man is settled in life, with circumstances all that could be desired, and he contemplates the future with pleasure; but, unexpectedly something arises — bank failure, or commercial crisis — which tells him that the brook is dried up, and he has to leave his Cherith. Another looks with pride and hope upon a child — his pleasure and joy flow from that child — but, unnoticed, disease settles upon it and takes it away. After a while the brook dried up. And so with earthly comforts. They are uncertain, and do not warrant the eagerness with which they are sought or the value with which they are invested. II. THE CERTAINTY OF GOD'S CARE. Though the water of the brook failed, God's care was not exhausted. He had made provision for Elijah at Zarephath before He commanded him to leave Cherith. Decay and change may characterise all our earthly comforts, but they do not characterise God; He remains the same, and His care can never fail. III. GODLY GENEROSITY SHALL NOT LOSE ITS REWARD. Whosoever even giveth a cup of cold water to a disciple, in the name of a disciple, shall not lose his reward. (The Study and the Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, |
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