Read: 1
Kings 17
In 1 Kings 17 one of the most beloved people in
Scripture first appears: the prophet Elijah. Elijah is a normal man, a Tishbite
from the land of Gilead (v 1). One day, God send Elijah to the evil king Ahab.
The Elijah proclaims that a drought will fall upon Israel. Surely this is
punishment for Israel’s idolatry under Ahab. God then protects Elijah from
Ahab’s wrath. He sends Elijah to the wilderness. Elijah is to drink from the
brook at Cherith and receive food miraculously from ravens (v 4-6). When we
obey God we can trust that He will sustain us. Jesus repeats this promise in
Matthew 6:25-34. Seeking God’s kingdom first had the by-product of knowing the
God will provide for our essential needs.
When the brook at Cherith dries out due to the
drought, God sends Eiljah to a widow at Zarephath. In a land scorned for
Baal-worship, God sees a woman who is open to the words of Yahweh. God knows
those who truly seek Him. When Elijah asks the widow for food she is initially
hesitant. She only has a small amount of food left. After it is done she and
her son will die. Elijah makes her a promise. If she first brings him some
bread, God will miraculously extend her food supply to sustain both Elijah and
her household throughout the drought. Often we have to commit to God and take a
practical step of faith before seeing His promises fulfilled.
While Elijah is staying with the widow, her son
falls ill. People are imperfect. Our faith is often limited and we forget about
what God has done for us. The widow immediately turns on Elijah, accusing him
for bringing this illness upon her son. As Elijah is God’s representative here,
the widow is actually accusing God of this. Rather than responding out of his
own thoughts, Elijah turns to God. He brings the son to the upper room and
calls out to God. He stretches himself across the child three times and pleas
for God to bring the child back to life (v 21). God hears Elijah’s prayers and
revives the child (v 22). Our God is capable of great miracles! This situation
further solidified the widow’s faith that Elijah was a prophet of God (v 24).
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Read James 5:13-18. Why do you think the Holy
Spirit chose to include this passage in Scripture? As you read about Elijah,
periodically reflect on this passage. Elijah was a normal human being. A person
in humble submission is a powerful tool in the hands of God!
2. God knew that the widow at Zarephath would be
receptive to his prophet. He knew that she wasn’t hardened by Baal-worship, as
many in Israel were at that time. God knows the heart of every person. Ask God
to reveal to you what is in your heart.
3. The widow had to take a step of obedience before
partaking in God’s miraculous provision. Ask God if there is an area where He
would like you to take a practical step of faith. Ask Him what He wants to do
in this area through your obedience.
