1 Kings 17 Commentary
Natural disasters are generally classified as acts of God. This chapter presents us with one natural disaster specifically called by the LORD. This is yet another message to the errant nation. It is an opportunity for the nation to repent and find its way back to the God of Abraham.
This natural disaster has a specific message. Israel has turned away from her God. Ahab has led the nation into the worship of Baal. Among other things, Baal was believed to cause rain; he was the god of rain. The drought, therefore, has a strong message to the nation that it isn’t Baal who provides rain but the LORD.
We have details of this contest in the next chapter.
We are reminded of the Book of Exodus, where the LORD called out the Egyptian gods in judgment. The LORD caused darkness over the land for three days to expose the famous Egyptian Sun god. He wasn’t the one responsible for providing the light, but the LORD. Baal would not be the last god to suffer similar judgment. Check Exodus 10 verses 21 and 22.
When the saint begins to feel like their job is responsible for what they have become, the LORD may take it down to help the saint see who the real provider is. Saints do well to identify these many gods that seem to take the place of God in their lives.
Saints may wonder why they experience certain droughts while their sinful counterparts have it easy all the time. By these disasters, the LORD speaks to the saint. In the immediate context, we are waiting to see if Ahab is listening. In the meantime, the prophet finds his way out of sight. Destination? Zarephath.
We have details of the LORD’s care and generosity to both the widow and the prophet. The LORD Jesus Christ would later tell us why the LORD sent Elijah to Zarephath. The LORD took care of Elijah, but importantly, the LORD took care of the faithful widow. Check Luke 4 verses 25 and 26.
Many saints thank God for their jobs, but they do well to realize that their posting is meant to bless their hosts, be it in the workplace, the neighborhood, the marketplace, or even school. They are conduits of blessings to the world around them.
In what ways am I a blessing to my church?
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