Alone

Alone

Introduction

A. Luke 7:11-16: The widow of Nain had lost her only son. She was alone, desolate, empty.

-- even though she was surrounded by people, maybe even friends

B. Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

C. Leviticus 13:44-46 “He is a leprous man, he is unclean: … he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be.”

D. We live in lonely times. We are “urbanized” and live crowded into small areas where we live like brooding hens in vast chicken houses, thousands living close together and yet we are lonely.

1. Why?

2. Loneliness can only be dispelled by the bonds of marriage, home and children extending into next of kin such as grand-parents, uncles, aunts and cousins.

3. Otherwise loneliness can be alleviated by close friendships and fellowship with people of like precious faith.

4. Ultimately, loneliness is eliminated by communion with the eternal, invisible God and His holy angels.

5. Without people in our lives, we become very lonely. Without God in our lives our loneliness can become bitter.

E. Let’s consider how God has provided fullness for our lives

I. God provides marriage

A. Isaac and Rebekah, Genesis 24:55-67 Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death

1. Two bonds: mother and son, husband and wife

2. Son grieves when his mother dies. Suffers loss, loneliness. It is a beautiful thing to see the love of a mother for her son.

3. Even mobsters can be tender toward their mother and wife.

B. God protected marriage. Exodus 20:14, 17 Ten commandments condemn adultery and coveting neighbor’s wife.

II. God provides family to fill our lives.

A. Isaiah 49:14-23 Zion says, The Lord has abandoned me … waste and desolate places … They will bring your sons in their arms … (Isa 54:1)

1. Falivena, Italy pays 1500 euros per baby born and 1500 E each birthday until the child is in school. 1600 population and still losing

2. The childless by choice say, “children are a tantrum wrapped in a diaper and not worth the trouble.”

3. Schools are closing in Chicago for lack of students. Cities are becoming playgrounds for the rich or the childless: recreation, arts, culture, restaurants for the newly liberated individuals. Is it sustainable? Is it desirable? … it will become neither in time… and very lonely.

B. The Leper’s plight is not only cut off from people but also from God, Le 13:46

1. John 8:29 Father hath not left Me alone.

2. John 6:15 Jesus in the mountain alone in prayer to the Father.

3. Elijah’s complaint, 1 Kings 19:10 I only am left, v.18 7,000 in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal

4. Jesus warns that Faithfulness to God can cost you loneliness

a. Matthew 10:32-39 loss of family ties

b. Matthew 28:19-20 promises to always be with us.

c. Psalm 37:18 Lord watches over the blameless all their days

d. Walking with God, 1 John 1:7 have fellowship

e. Cast your cares on Him for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

-- Matthew 6:26-30 feeds and clothes us because he cares

-- Matthew 10:29-30 Father cares when a sparrow falls from the nest, hairs of your head are numbered!

Conclusion

A. Eccl 4:8-10 two are better than one – without child or brother, yet there is no end of labor, why bother? God gives us a reason

B. Psalm 102:6-7 I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I stay awake; I am like a solitary bird on a roof. V. 12 But You, Lord, are enthroned forever; …