“Then the word of the Lord came to him [Elijah], saying, ‘Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.’” [1]
The key to Elijah’s ministry success was his conversational relationship with God. He spoke with God in prayer. God spoke His words to Elijah. Elijah followed God’s guidance. The Lord spared many of His servants from the political regime that opposed them…
“For so it was, while [Queen] Jezebel massacred the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.” [2]
Elijah spoke a message of divine judgment directly to Jezebel’s husband King Ahab. After that, the Lord led him to Brook Cherith for hydration. God commanded ravens to feed him at Cherith. God’s version of mail delivery drones brought him bread and meat (sandwiches). [3] As this source of provision ended, the Lord directed Elijah to go to Zarephath. This time, God commanded a widow to provide for him.
God leads his people one step at a time—as we walk in obedience. God does not normally lay out the long-term scenario. When Elijah spoke to Ahab, he had no idea what the next step would be. God made the next step clear as Elijah was faithful in what God had already given him to do.
As you take a step of obedience, then God will show you what to do next. That is the importance of the link between Cherith and Zarephath.
“Arise and go to Zarephath… I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”
I wonder what kind of picture Elijah envisioned as he traveled to Zarephath. At the Brook Cherith, God provided meat and bread. What kind of food would the widow provide?
When Elijah arrives in Zarephath, he meets the widow. She is gathering sticks. He asks her for a cup of water and some bread. She replies that she has no bread. She only has a handful of flour and a little oil in a jar. She is gathering sticks for a fire to prepare a meal for her and her son. Afterwards, she assumes they will die of starvation. [4]
Then, Elijah sees the Lord’s plan. He sent him to Zarephath to help this widow and her son survive the famine. In meeting her need, his need will also be met. When other leaders are acting cruel and inhumane, the Lord guides Elijah to care for the widow and fatherless. What does Elijah have for them? He has faith in God. He speaks God’s Word to them, and God intervenes. They do not run out of food or water. [5]
“Dear Heavenly Father, we love to commune with You… study Your Word and dialogue in it with other believers. We trust You, that come what may, You have a way to meet our needs and keep the ministry of Your Word thriving and producing testimonies for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
[1] 1 Kings 17:8-9
[2] 1 Kings 18:4
[3] 1 Kings 17:1-7
[4] 1 Kings 17:10-12
[5] 1 Kings 17:13-15
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