May 12
"And the word of the LORD came to Elijah, "Depart from here and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, that is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." So he went and did according to the word of the LORD; he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land." - 1 Kings 17:2-7 (RSV)
In a nation that was required by law to care for its prophets, it is ironic God turned to ravens which are considered unclean birds to care for Elijah. This passage in Kings shows God finds help for both his servants and us where and when we least expect it. It promises God can provide for us in ways that go beyond our narrow definitions or expectations.
Elijah had confronted the evil King Ahab of Israel and his false prophets of the pagan God, Baal. Those who worshiped Baal believed he was the god who brought the rains and bountiful harvests. So when Elijah walked into the presence of this Baal-worshiping king and threatened there would be no rain for many years, Ahab was shocked and enraged. After he was unsuccessful in restoring worship of the true God of Israel, Isaiah prophesied a drought and then ran for his life to escape the King's rage. He finally hid from the evil King Ahab by the Kerith Brook, where Elijah was fed by ravens.
No matter how bitter our trials or how seemingly hopeless our situation, we also can look for God's caring concern and provision to be revealed in unexpected ways. We may find his providence in some strange places! Like Elijah, we also worship a God far more powerful and greater than any pagan god who is no less than the Lord God Almighty!
Prayer: Lord, Praise you for your absolute provision in all circumstances and places. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God always provides!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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