Page 63 - Livin Light Issue 81

Monday August 14 - To Zarephath... really?
Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon
and stay there.” 1 Kings 17:8-9
There are a few things about the Lord’s command to Elijah that would have caused him some consternation.
Firstly, Zarephath was over one hundred miles away – a long journey, and during a drought! And secondly, this was the area ruled by King Ethbaal, Jezebel’s father, and there’s more – the idols of Baal were manufactured there. It was the very heart of Baal worship!
Yet the word from the Lord also came with a promise: “I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food” (v 9) and so Elijah did as God said. Someone once said, “The Lord does not ask more than he promises to give.”
It is no wonder that Elijah is numbered amongst the greatest of Israel’s prophets. This story is spoken of by Jesus in Luke 4:24-26; Elijah also appears at Jesus’ Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9: Mark 9:2-9 and Luke 9:28-36).
James says that ‘Elijah was a man just like us’ (James 5:17) so perhaps as he took that long walk to Zarephath, he wondered just what lay ahead for him. We also often face challenging circumstances; we too step out in faith, trusting the word of God. And we too have God’s promises. Elijah headed to Zarephath with a willing and obedient heart. Can we do the same? The great evangelist Billy Graham once said, “The will of God won’t take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.”
Dear Lord, help us to know that your grace really is sufficient for us, always (2 Corinthians 12:9). Amen.
Tuesday August 15 - The prophet’s request
So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was
there gathering sticks. 1 Kings 17:10
As Elijah arrived at the town gate of Zarephath he saw a widow gathering sticks. Was this the person God had spoken to him about? This destitute lady gathering sticks... was she the widow God had commanded to feed him? First impressions may not have been too promising, but Elijah had learned that God’s provision comes from unexpected places and means. The ravens, for sure, were very unusual. But the widow wasn’t aware of her role just yet in this unfolding encounter. It’s so similar to Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well (John 4:1-8). Just like Jesus, Elijah is thirsty. He needs a drink and the only person close by seems to be the last person who could help him. But he asks anyway, in faith. It is all he has.
This is a pivotal moment in the story. We have read about Elijah’s deprivations and struggles, but now as he asks this widow for a drink it opens up a divine opportunity – not only for Elijah’s physical needs to be met, but for this poor widow to encounter the wonder and the grace of God in her life, at the very moment when it seems that all hope is vanishing.
God-given pivotal moments happen when a seemingly coincidental encounter can change our day, our plans... our lives. They still happen. I pray they do for you today!
Father God, please help us to see you in each of our pivotal moments today! Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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