Tuesday, March 2, 2010

1 Kings 17

5 comments:

Unknown said...

"The jar of flour and the jug of oil were never empty, just as the Lord, through Elijah, had promised." v16

This just gives me goosebumps. Every time.

But then my heart sinks when the story proceeds. When things take a turn for the worst the woman is quick to be embittered and forget that God rescued and preserved their lives once, and has provided and cared for them with His very own hand all this time, and she lashes out at Elijah just as the Israelites lashed out at Moses in the wilderness.

""What have you done to me? Did you come here to remind me of my sin and to kill my son?" v18

Oh how short and shallow our memories are when it comes to the deliverance and mercies and love of our Lord.

Denise said...

"In a nation that was required by law to care for its prophets, it is ironic that God turned to ravens (unclean birds) and a widow (a foreigner from Jezebel's home territory) to care for Elijah. God has help where we least expect it. He provides for us in ways that go beyond our narrow definitions or expectations. No matter how bitter our trials or how seemingly hopeless our situation, we should look for God's caring touch. We may find his providence in some strange places!

When the widow of Zarephath met Elijah, she thought she was preparing her last meal. But a simple act of faith produced a miracle. She trusted Elijah and gave all she had to eat to him. Faith is the step between promise and assurance. Miracles seem so out of reach for our feeble faith. But every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience. We may not see the solution until we take the first step of faith."

Unknown said...

I really like the notes from your Bible, Nise. They always bring the passage to life for me. So glad you're back!

Mac an Rothaich said...

Faith is the step between promise and assurance.

Really liked that bit from your notes Denise.

This is an exciting chapter to me. At a time when the nation was so messed up God punished them but provided for his prophet at the same time. Being feed by ravens, SO AMAZING!

Our God is totally worthy of
faith in him!

Jude said...

I was struck by the same passages Prairie Chick. It is very interesting to find out from Denise that the woman was not an Israelite. I had wondered about this as she called Elijah a man of God but did not seem to think that he was there to bless them (as he already had) and rather that he was there only to judge...perhaps that would have been the perception of the average Israelite as well. I think it is of many iin our society today.

I love hearing of God's provision for Elijah. It just gives me a sense of peace to believe again that he takes care of us and cares about our human needs.