Elijah Waits

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 CLASSIC POEM: Elijah Rosa Emma Salaman Thou child of God! oh, be it thine to know— Though sad thy lot, though deep soe’er thy wo, Though desolate thy path, though weak and lone— Thy God regards thee, for thou art his own. Angels are round thee when thou art most drear; Thy tears they see, thy faintest sighs they hear; They leave their heavenly Paradise above, To aid thee with their presence and their love. There is no spot so sacred, none so blest, As that whereon the holy people rest. In grief Elijah laid his weary head Beneath a tree; when near his lonely bed A beauteous presence stands, whose radiant form, Like a bright rainbow after heavy storm, Betokens peace; so, most serenely bright, His soul is touched with pure, benignant light. The lovely form! the mild, majestic mien! In which a tender sympathy is seen. “Arise, and eat; the journey is too great, Thy patience fails thee, trust in God and wait!” Thus felt, thus looked the messenger divine, While soft compassion in his face did shine. Beloved of God! thou dost not comprehend Thy sacred mission and thy glorious end. Oh, Israel! seek to know, and thou wilt find Thy God in every breeze, in every wind. Like thee, Elijah, was sent forth to prove “The Lord is God,” and none but He above; Like thee, Elijah, was oppressed by foes, With none but God to cling to in his woes; Like thee, he was discouraged and distressed, But with His faith, like him thou wouldst he blest. Oh, wondrous faith! when earth and heaven are thine, When barren rocks and caves with beauty shine! Elijah rose; again erect he stands, And eats the food prepared by angels’ hands; With heavenly might imbued, he walks along, And sighs are changed to most melodious song. How wonderful God’s dealings with his own! That “still, small voice,”[1] that most angelic tone, Seemed to Elijah too divinely sweet To sound on earth, for mortal ear to meet. He hides his face; but ah! not yet is come That glorious transit to the prophet’s home. O child of God! afflicted, think of this, A day awaits thee, ‘tis a day of bliss, When God decides if earth or heaven shall be The fittest place of happiness for thee. A thousand chariots at his bidding rise To bear thee up in triumph to the skies; A thousand “ministers of flaming fire,”[2] Who wing their way through heaven at his desire. See, where it comes, the fiery coursers fly, The gorgeous car is riding through the sky; His angels, breathless, stand and take their post, To greet Elijah ‘mongst the heavenly host. Hark! ’tis shout of triumph! glory shone A momentary blaze, and he is gone! *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Elijah Waits Rabbi Rachel Barenblat SNIPPET: Elijah walks the streets with Moshiach’s phone number programmed into his cellphone. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]