Hello my dears,
How are things in your port of the world? Is the situation such that someone needs to be told of the goodness of God amidst the hustle and bustle? Could the teller be YOU? Hmmmm
Today’s nougat June 26 (the real orange day against gbv)
And the Word of Jehovah came unto him, saying, “Arise, get the to Zarepath, which belongeth to Sidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain thee” 1 Ki 17:8-9
This recounting of God’s provision during the famine is well known by many. But, a few of us may have missed some salient details which affect our appreciation for the miracle.
A. Zarepath was in foreign soil. This suggests that the woman God sent Elijah to was NOT Jewish
B. The welfare system was not necessarily in effect so being a widow suggests one who would be from low income, or even penniless without a (male) relative to offer protection.
C. Regardless of nationality, women were not necessarily one’s first choice for hospitality, especially one without a husband.
D. God had COMMANDED this widow to provide for Elijah.
Based on the location of the town, we realize that the famine had spread to nearby countries, and Elijah was being sent into potentially hostile territory to live. Sometimes, in the midst of our gravest lack, God sends us into the unthinkable to accomplish the impossible.
In psalm 23, we are reminded that God’s banquet is spread BEFORE our enemies especially once we have been anointed.
So, the next time or situation looks dire, let us remember that the banquet is spread, even in hostile spaces.
Lord, may we be attuned to YOUR directions, especially when our circumstances remain barren.
May we be open to residing in “enemy territory” when directed by You.
Open our mind to divine favor in the valley of the shadow of (debt/death), as we bask in your afterglow. Hear and receive our pleas, We pray, in Jesus’s name, amen
