What comes into your mind whenever you see a funeral procession or find yourself near a cemetery? Perhaps the first thing you think of is the brevity of our earthly life as compared to eternity. Maybe you think of the grief of family and loved ones. But I wonder if you ever think about the practical aftermath of death, things like wills and distribution of assets and inheritance and even unpaid bills?
Come with me again, back to Israel about 840bc. Our friend the prophet Elisha is suddenly faced with a grieving widow and the practical aspects of the death of her husband.