TUESDAY 20 September, 2016
A Mothers Grief
Now Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until the late rains poured on them from heaven. And she did not allow the birds of the air to rest on them by day nor the beasts of the field by night. - 2 Samuel 21:10
Rizpah suffered a mother’s grief that became public. In her great devotion to her sons, even in their death, she risked her all and endured all kinds of weather; to fend away any beast or bird that would devour the flesh of her beloved sons. Her love was expressed for her sons in her dedication to protect their dead bodies. She continued her stance on the rock for the duration of the harvest time until the late rains; which started in April, usually lasting until October––amazing!
As parents we can identify with Rizpah in her grief; it is heartbreaking to lose a child no matter how old they are––they will always be our children. In life, our hearts are often overwhelmed with concerns for their welfare. We need only to stand on the Rock, Jesus Christ when our hearts overwhelm us. Psalm 61:2 tells us how to cope: From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
How we need to always intercede for our children while they are living. Job was a man who prayed often for his children:
…he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly(Job 1:5).
Where do you stand when circumstances become overwhelmingly difficult? It should be our Rock––Jesus Christ.
…For there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.
~1 Samuel 2:2~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
