Monday 6 Jun 2022

June 6: 1 Kings 17:1-6

Key Verse: 1 Kings 17:6
The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

Devotion:
This is another of the amazing stories I love in the bible where Elijah tells Ahab there is going to be no more rain or dew until Elijah says so! Can you imagine what went through Ahab’s mind – he probably laughed it off in the beginning as a useless threat, but when there was indeed no more rain, he would have sought Elijah’s head! God had forewarned Elijah and sent him to hide far away from everyone east of Jordan where God would send ravens to bring food for Elijah.

God sent him to camp near a ravine where a brook would supply him with water; a ravine where nobody normally would visit and hence nobody would know to bring him food. So Elijah was going to be 100% dependant on God for his food. Yes he would have lasted a while with no food, but this was going to be for a longer term than normal. God had to hide Elijah there until Ahab realised there was not going to be any rain to feed the crops and supply their water.

The first lesson we should take away from this is how we should rely on God for everything in our lives. If He is asking you to go somewhere or to do something for Him, then we should be willing to listen and obey no matter how hard we think it may be. Just maybe He is lining up the ravens to take care you you – obviously it may not be ravens per say, but He is going to ensure you can do what He asks!

This also brings up another valuable lesson though, and that is to take what support He gives you with open arms. The first time I heard this story I was a bit taken back by Elijah eating anything ravens brought him. I have seen what crows and ravens do to road-kill and that is what went through my mind! But this was the difference between life and death for Elijah – and what God supplies is good enough for everyone!

Points to Ponder:
Do you shy away from God’s requests because you find them difficult?

Will you trust God to make it possible?