The Bible stands as the grand charter of the Christian faith. Its infallibility, authority, and inspiration are incomparable, but not to shallow minds that think the Bible was written to please their feelings or agree with their contexts. The Bible’s sole purpose was to unite human hearts with God in a holy union and commitment. We only make sense of it by living it out in simple obedience, as we lean on the Holy Spirit for faith.
1 Kings 17 is a narrative that demands that we undo our theological or cultural lenses and pray for a simple heart to believe. For us Christian believers, the story toggles between living faithfully within the economy of grace and being impacted by the economy of the day. How do I make God my only source at this time? Should this be a thought every child of God should wrestle with?
God’s provision is clear throughout the scripture. We know of the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16), the feeding of five thousand with a boy’s two fishes and bread by Jesus (Luke 9:10–17), and now through the brook, the raven and the widow woman appear as one of the old folk fairy tales, like the Gandalf and the Eagles kind of narrative. However, it really happened, and God provided for Elijah through these three mediums. It was a devastating time of famine and grave apostasy, as Israel had turned to idols and their rulers had hardened through sin. During this time, God extended his blessing to those who served and obeyed him.
The Brook
The brook is a natural stream of water that represents a moment of refreshment. For Elijah, it’s also a season of anonymity, a humble place to be while God hides him as he is empowered for greater exploit. It is a place where we learn to be quiet and be in solitude. While at the brook, we eat and grow; we learn the voice of the Holy Spirit as we wait on his divine power that brings the bird with the bread. I likened the brook to Paul’s abasing moments. Philippians 4:12. (ASV) notes this as a moment of” learning to get along with humble means.” God begins to take our eyes off men and things as he uses unlikely things to show us how great his unlimited power is and teaches us to trust him and him alone.
The brook also brought calmness while the scorching sun and famine ravaged the land. It’s a place of waiting, as we are deep in holy saturation. But as the brook dried up for Elijah, it will for us too, as the brook season is never forever; it was just to train us to listen and linger till He comes for us.
Are you at the waiting “brook” today? Instead of being anxious to move on, why not wait to listen to his voice? Learn to trust in Him and get all the wisdom and supplies you’ll need for tomorrow. You may not have the brook moment again. God is preparing you for greater exploits. Enjoy the waiting period, nourish yourself, and continue to grow.
The Raven
The Raven, however, brought food twice daily to the brook. Could it be that God is seeking discipline in our lives, specifically in our eating habits? While some people have never fasted once as Christians, some can’t stop eating. How do you feel in your spirit after excessive eating and wine tastings all over town? Does too much wine cloud your mind or free your spirit? Does it arouse other sinful desires in you? God made sure the diet was right and the measure was appropriate for Elijah. Disciplining our flesh and controlling our desires is one of the keys to discipleship.
This bird is a scavenger, and like Job 38:41 notes, it’s an uncaring bird; it doesn’t care for its own and forages food for itself only. In most native cultures, the raven represents a bad omen, and surprisingly, God used this bird to feed Elijah while at the brook. Can you recognize a Raven situation in your life? God uses the unlikely or the rejected to bless you and fulfill his purpose in your life. Just like Peter’s Acts 10:15 encounter,” “You must stop calling unclean what God has made clean.”
My first experience of God’s favor came through a Muslim man several years ago. After gaining admission to the State Polytechnic as a fresh high school graduate, I faced rejection. Despite passing the entrance exam and meeting all requirements, the school’s admissions office refused my admission. They always give you one reason in those days for refusal. Well, I gave up, and while going back home, I met this man who I knew was a practicing Muslim in our area, and his father was intolerant of other religions. He also knew my family to be Christians, so we never crossed paths. I wasn’t taught in my Sunday school that God could use a non-Christian. While I greeted him and kept on walking to catch my bus, he called me, and we engaged in a long conversation. Well, this guy made sure I got the admission that day, and not only that, he took me to his place and insisted I lived with him because the college was far from town. He also made sure I lacked nothing until he left the school after his own program ended. He said to me, I see God all over you.
While I think of the brook and the Raven, I see a connection between divine presence and divine provision; you cannot have the Raven’s bread without waiting at the brook, a place of fellowship and quietness in God’s presence. At times, we miss the Raven because we won’t stay at the brook, and while God sent the Raven, we must be humble and thankful to receive his blessings. We must get rid of false humility and narrow-mindedness, which is plain arrogance and pride, and be thankful to a God who does wonders to show us his power as he develops our faith in the impossible.
The widow with the little
God also used the widow to feed Elijah through her obedience and trust in the word of God. Despite her participation in the process, the blessing came not from her obedience but from the prophet’s words. Elijah knew something she didn’t, but she was willing to obey. It was Elijah who released the word of God, but she needed to act. In fact, all she saw was death, while the prophet saw life and miraculous provision. The prophet was persistent and unashamedly placed demands on her obedience. Have you ever had a friend, mentor, pastor, or friend who challenges and stretches you? They may be your prophets. They will persist until you succeed with God. Unfortunately, many only see the negative side of such relationships, and by doing so, they miss out on God’s best plan. God will never use you without you learning obedience from someone. You need humility to receive God’s word from another person, as God will never talk to you directly from heaven.
Conclusion
God’s way of providing is never limited to what is expected. We need to look beyond ourselves and see God acting powerfully through others. Romans 11:33 says, “O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out!
Who are you looking to for help? In man, or in this unstable system we have around today? Let God be your source—your only source. He can use anything, anyone, and any place to meet your present or future needs.
Each time I find myself in a place of great need, I remember that my God still has the Ravens flying around with the bread, the widow’s barrel of meat is still flowing, and the jar of oil is still running. Meaning: God is still at work making provision for his own. Open up to God today and enjoy his divine supply. His tendency to bless through unusual means is awesome.
Make the Bible stories your reality? You will succeed.
Lanre Orepo: Contemplation. April 9, 2016 at 7:43 PM