“For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” (1 Kings 17:14 ESV)
As we ponder the widow in Zarephath and Elijah’s mission we might think it a small matter. Yet this event is rich in significance. For one thing it shows us God’s concern for individuals, for the poor and the suffering people of the world, a concern we must share. In addition, the story shows us that despite whatever trials the Lord may send us, persecution, sickness, pain and even death He will carry we who are in Christ through them all.
As I sit and type this in Starbucks, an old gospel hymn has come on over the audio feed: “I’ll fly away O Glory”. This tune confirms the assurance of God’s promise of eternal life for those who believe. The point is, we should take God at His word. He has not forgotten His saints. Yahweh has always fulfilled His promises; He has always kept his word.
And now, though we see evil all around us triumphing and prevailing, though we see evil men prospering, while the saints cry out “How Long O Lord?” we need not despair. The Lord has heard the cry. He is at work combating evil. He uses us, as He used Elijah, to fight this battle, to bring light in the darkness of the world. We don’t have to be great evangelists, or great preachers who speak to vast audiences. The example of Elijah and the widow shows us that the Lord uses each one of us to reach others. We bless them by being kind and merciful to them, by doing good deeds, by acts of common courtesy, by giving our time, material goods and money to help those less fortunate and by telling them about Jesus and the hope that is found only in Him.
We believe Him, we trust Him, so let us obey Him. Let us ask Him to give us the wisdom, strength and guidance to be a blessing to everyone we meet, one person at a time.