Elijah in the Midst of Drought

Join me in today's devotion as we learn about God's love for His faithful servant Elijah in the midst of drought and how he provides for him in ways we do not understand or expect. Although they may come in pieces, crumbs, or in a handful of flour, God's provisions never end. Like He did for Elijah, God continues to love and cover you under His wings and He is ever faithful to sustain you.

(Text: 1 Kings 17:1-12)

Gospel in the Air is a podcast ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church. We are located in Maui, Hawaii, USA. Our number is (808) 463-8859. You can also visit our website at www.cornerstonemaui.org or you can send your email to danibanggo@gmail.com.

Transcript

Episode 18
Elijah In the Midst of Drought 
Text: 1 Kings 17:1-12
© Dani Banggo 5/4/2024

From the beautiful island of Maui, I want to greet you with a warm aloha! Welcome to “Gospel in the Air,” a short devotional program that will inspire and encourage your daily walk with Jesus.  May you be enlightened with new insights for living as the Holy Spirit reveals His passion for humankind to be saved, that is, that no one should perish but all will come to repentance. But before we begin our devotion may we have a word of prayer. Let us pray:

Most Gracious God, Heavenly Father, bless be your Holy Name. Thank you for this rare chance to share the Good News. May I find favor in your sight as I deliver your message. May your Spirit speak right into the hearts and minds of my listeners as they listen to your words. May the preaching of your words not return to you empty but will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it. In Jesus’ name amen. 

Our devotional lesson is taken from the book of 1 Kings 17: 1-12. And I read the following verses:

Now Elijah, the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.” So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. Sometime later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it – and die.” 

Today, we will be dealing with the topic: Elijah in the midst of a drought.

People of the world today are suffering because of the atrocities of wars particularly in eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine and in the middle east between Israel and Hamas.  As a result, prices of major commodities, especially oil, continue to soar high affecting a ripple effect to the world’s economy. It is a major blow especially among poor countries. Not only that, but we are also devastated by the unending onslaught of natural calamities such as wildfires, hurricanes, typhoons, floods, earthquakes, heat waves, tsunamis, and many others. And worst of all, there are health issues that are life threatening and may have caused others to give up hope. These are some of the insurmountable pressures and worries of life resulting in our devastations, discouragements, and disappointments.

But I have good news for you today! God has a purpose for your life. He gave you a reason and a purpose to live. He has molded and designed you in His image and likeness. And before you know it, He has already provided everything for your good to accomplish His divine purpose through you. You have a lot of opportunities to live a good life than by worrying about your situation today. So, don’t throw off the towel and give up so easily. Keep counting on what God has laid into your hands for an opportunity to manage your life. Commit your life to Him. Trust God completely without any hint of doubt. 

The Narrative:

Now here is Elijah, a faithful prophet that never wastes time. We don’t know where he came from. He suddenly appeared on the scene. The Lord sent him to warn Israel of an impending calamity if they will not repent of their sins and turn from their wicked ways. If they will not stop from serving and worshiping pagan gods such as Baal and Ashtoreth, then they will surely be severely punished by God. The Israelites are not ignorant of this because they know of the Lord’s commandments, which Moses had received from Mt. Sinai. In fact, this is the foremost among the 10 commandments which the Lord gave to them, not to worship idols or graven images (Exodus 20: 1-4) 

Who in the world is Elijah? Elijah is nothing compared to some religious leaders today who ride in limousines and enjoy the luxury of traveling in private jets with personal bodyguards and having gargantuan wealth owning expensive mansions and highly valued properties that only the rich and famous can afford. Elijah is not like many of us today who obtained degrees in theology or ministry from seminary, or Bible college or university. He does not have any claim to fame. His only credential is that he is a faithful servant of God, and a wandering prophet called a Tishbite.

One day he went into the palace of King Ahab to give him a visit. In those days nobody could just approach a king. And, like heads of states today, there should always be protocol. But here is a man, a nobody in the eyes of society, just breaking into the palace wanting to have an attendance with the most powerful man in the nation of Israel. No prior appointment, no prior schedule. He just walked in. Probably Elijah is nobody in the eyes of this world and he is considered by many as an insignificant prophet, or maybe a laughingstock and a fool to some arrogant unbelieving hearts. But what a big mistake! This prophet represents none other than the King of kings and Lord of lords – the God of the universe! What a shame to those who thought highly of themselves. Yes, this is how God will shame the proud and the arrogant like king Ahab.

King Ahab is a Jew who married a Phoenician woman named Jezebel, a prophetess of a pagan god called Baal, and who convinced Ahab to a new faith called Baalism. This couple introduced Baal worship in Israel (1 Kgs. 16). Baal is a Canaanite god of rain and fertility bringing good harvest and animal reproduction. He is also believed to be the god of rain, thunder, and storm.[1] 

Elijah’s meeting with king Ahab, told him that “Baal will be rendered impotent” by Yahweh. He warned King Ahab of an impending calamity that will strike the whole of Israel, that is, “There will be neither dew nor rain …” There will be no early rain or later rain; there will be no dew. There will be nothing but a complete drought! Baal will be shut down by Yahweh!” This is to challenge Baal’s claim as “god” of storm and fertility. Elijah pointed this very strongly to King Ahab that a complete drought will come just to prove that Baal is no god at all but only Yahweh is the one true God who is in control of the universe.

After his meeting with King Ahab, the Lord spoke to him saying, “Leave immediately from this place and go to a place where I want to show you, at the brook of Kerith ravine. There I will sustain you.” Elijah does not understand yet the plan of the Lord for him. There will be a drought in the land and there will be famine as a result. Thus, the Lord is now sending Elijah to a safe place. But Elijah thought otherwise. Despite being a prophet, he cannot still discern God’s way. He thought it was to his disadvantage. 

This situation like that of Elijah is not foreign to us. As far as this life is concerned, we cannot do away with the feeling of being worried, disappointed, and discouraged when faced with problems and other concerns. The tendency of our human nature still dominates our faith despite being a believer of our Lord. Instead of trusting God, we lose our grip of faith, and we begin to worry. 

Why is it that when things in our life seem well and favorable, then suddenly that is also when things change the course of our plans (cf. Prov. 16:9).

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

Elijah, for his case, cannot question but to obey God. He was asked to move and go to a brook where a stream of water flows (v4). The Lord said to him, “You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.” Poor Elijah! He cannot complain but to follow the instruction of the Lord.  Who is Elijah, anyway, to question God? Indeed, God is sovereign, and He knows what is best for him and for anyone of us who trust Him. This is a test of faith - no matter the circumstances and whatever the provisions are even though we do not understand them. This is what living faith is all about. If you are in the midst of a crisis, I want you to pause for a moment and focus your attention to the following narrative that unfold in the life of the prophet Elijah: 

First, let us see the role of the ravens.

Accordingly, ravens are the kinds of devouring creatures. They are carnivorous (Pro.30: 17). In the Old Testament, these birds are considered unclean animals. They are detestable creatures. It is therefore unlawful to be eaten as food for the Israelites (Lev. 11: 15). They are scavengers and eat almost anything including the rotting flesh of a dead animal. These birds are carrions. They are known as birds of ill omen because of their rough sounding cry and their black color.[2] Yet despite their negative notion, God cares for them especially their young (Job 38:41). 

Now, as birds, they can only use their beaks to bring food to Elijah which are small and broken pieces. In short, they can only afford crumbs! But look at it. You will wonder how God uses even these untamed and insignificant birds to accomplish His purpose to provide the needs of Elijah. What a great lesson for us to learn about God’s provision for our daily needs. 

They come unexpectedly in many ways, and he was not even aware of them. In this case, God uses the ravens to feed Elijah. How marvelous is the love of God towards this prophet? He sustained his needs by sending the ravens to bring his daily provision in the morning and in the evening. Wonders among wonders how God works in ways we cannot see. Elijah would have understood now why he was sent to the brook at Kerith. It is the only refuge available for him to stay alive during this time of crisis. And from there, God sustained his needs. The ravens, of all birds, were chosen by God to feed him. I suspect why ravens are preferred from other birds because, accordingly, their beaks are big[3] and curved which would readily be easier for them to carry food for Elijah. How wonderful are the ways of God for Elijah! He is always good and faithful even in the midst of a great drought. 

In like manner, are you facing drought today? I want to assure you that God is sovereign and is in control of the universe. Hold on and tighten your grip of faith because He is faithful. His promise is that his “eyes are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer” (1 Peter.3: 12; Cf. Ps.34: 12-16). In other words, don’t allow your worries to overcome you. But allow your faith to overcome your greatest fear and trust God whatever your circumstances are. Perhaps you are facing a financial crisis today or have been lying on bed in a hospital or in your room or maybe you are sitting in a wheelchair right now because of a life-threatening illness. I can name many other issues of life that you are probably facing today. Like Elijah, you are in a place where you are just surviving. I tell you God knows your need more than what you know. But don’t worry when God is feeding you with little pieces of bread or maybe crumbs. He is there with you, and He takes care of your needs. You can survive and you can live. Learn to be grateful and be content with what you have. As Paul wrote to the Philippians “…for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have” (Phil. 4:11). Perhaps you are being fed with crumbs and that should not be a reason for you to complain and even cause you not to be thankful to God. In 1 Thes. 5:18 it says, “Be thankful in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” God is sending His ravens to bring you food. Be patient and don’t loosen your grip of faith because this is only for the time being.

Second, the widow of Zarephath.

Take note in v.9 God spoke to him again and said, “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there, I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.” In biblical history especially in the Old Testament, widows are weak and defenseless. They are easy prey for exploiters. God warns anyone that take advantage of them (Isa. 1:23; 10:2). In this case, she is an unlikely candidate to help Elijah. But God is sending him to that poor widow who cannot even support the need of her son due to extreme poverty. Can you picture in your mind what is happening here about the provisions of God for Elijah? First, he sent him to an isolated brook in the middle of a forest called Kerith ravine where water flows for his sustenance while there was drought in Israel. Here Elijah was secretly fed by God. God sent the insignificant birds, the ravens, to feed him twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. And when the brook died up God sent him to a widow who is an unlikely candidate to help him during this time of crisis. It is unthinkable how God uses insignificant means to accomplish his purpose of sustaining the life of his faithful servant. In short, nothing can withstand the grace and love of God for his children especially in times of crisis or calamities. Not even nature can withhold his faithfulness. Elijah was brought to a brook, in the middle of a forest, alone in a lonely place. But in his solitude God was teaching him a lesson about faithfulness even in times adversity. Could it be that with your situation today God is teaching you a lesson – to put your trust in Him and that He will provide for you and that he will heal you? Could it be that God is molding you to become the person He wants you to be? Just maybe God is using your situation for your good and for the good of other people.   

Our journey of faith is not that easy. There are ravines we need to pass through. And during crisis God sustains us. He continues to provide for us even though they come in bits of bread or pieces of meat or a handful of flour. King David testifies this truth in his psalms saying: 

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” (Ps. 91:4).

Indeed, God provides and sustains us. This is his promise. But due to ignorance and arrogance many believe in their own capability, and they trust in what they can do. Like many of us I presumed Elijah almost gave up too. It was so tough and very devastating on his part living in the midst of crisis. There is something we learn from his experience. In his solitude at Kerith ravine, he learned to trust God instead of doing his own thing. He listened to the voice of God and obeyed His word even he did not understand when asked to go and live with an unworthy candidate, that poor widow at Zarephath. 

In like manner, as you commit your life to the Lord Satan does not stop to unload his ammunitions against you until he wears you down and saps all your strength. He will never stop until he defeats you. You should be warned of this, especially during times of crisis of life. I am reminded of Paul’s exhortation to the Christians in Colossae when he encourages them by saying, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2: 6, 7).

Jesus Christ is the only answer to our doubts, to our questions, to our fears, to our worries about this life. He is the only hope of the world today if we put our trust in Him. While there is life there is hope.  Don’t give up. There is always an answer to any problem. Trust God and commit your life to him. However, Satan is always there to oppose you. He is the father of all lies. Satan’s role is to kill, steal, and to destroy. But the good news is… Jesus Christ came that you may have life and that you may have it more abundantly (Jn. 10:10). Yes, this is Jesus’ promise He came that you have life. Don’t lose that hope you have in Christ. Don’t give up. Don’t throw off the towel and say quit. Face life squarely in his name. 

Probably you are experiencing a crisis right now, where everything seems hopeless. And you are about to give up and say, “I quit.” My friend, only by the grace of God and His mercy can save you. Jesus Christ is your only hope. You cannot do it alone by yourself. Open your heart to him. Bow down before His throne of grace in prayer. Worship God!  In his letter to the Philippians Paul wrote them by saying: 

“6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7)

How wonderful to know that even the ravens, those that are considered unclean birds, insignificant creatures in the eyes of people and the poor widow in Zarephath, an unworthy candidate who cannot even provide the need of her own son, have become channels of God’s blessing to sustain Elijah. 

How marvelous is the love of God. He is so gracious!   Maybe there are some of you today who are in the same situation as that of Elijah, alone and lonely in the middle of a dark forest. You are facing a crisis. Never lose hope but to entrust your situation to the Lord. Although they may come in pieces, or they may come in crumbs, or they may come in a handful of flour, His provisions never end. He covers you under his wings and He is ever faithful to sustain you. 

It is my prayer that you have been blessed today. Listen to this podcast, Gospel in the Air, and be encouraged in your daily walk with Jesus. Gospel in the Air is a podcast ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church. We are located in Maui, Hawaii, USA. Our number is (808) 463-8859. You can also visit our website at www.cornerstonemaui.org or you can send your email to danibanggo@gmail.com. This is your host, Brother Dani Marantan Banggo saying, keep punching the good fight of faith. Mahalo.

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[1] Ronald F. Youngblood, F. F. Bruce, and R. K. Harrison, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nashville, TN, 1995), 5-12-513.
[2] Ibid., 72.
[3] Google.com “How to Tell a Raven from a Crow.”