Lessons from a Brook

The Place

Verses 2-4

The Name

Cherith means “cut down” or “cut off.”

God may cut you down so that His image may be more clearly revealed in you.

1 Corinthians 2:2 KJV 1900

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

The Nature

It is a hidden place. There can be great power in the hidden life. God uses this time to pour Himself into us. We learn to trust Him alone when we are alone with Him.

The Necessity

Note “there” in verse 4. Cherith was the only place Elijah could be and be right with God. If he had gone anywhere else, he would have starved to death.

We don’t like difficulties, but they may be necessary.

We can be miserable or choose to rejoice.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV 1900

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The Promise

Verses 4-6

He promised that Elijah’s needs would be met. God’s call is always accompanied by God’s provisions.

Planning

God had everything in place. When He formed the world, He formed that little brook just for Elijah. He had already commanded the ravens.

Nothing catches God by surprise. God is already working in my tomorrow.

Psalm 37:23 KJV 1900

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.

Provision

Verse 6

Ravens are scavengers. They only take care of themselves and their young. Yet God used them to bring food to the prophet.

God knows your need and will see that it is met if He must move heaven and earth.

Philippians 4:19 KJV 1900

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Peace

Verse 5

The secret to surviving your Cherith experiences is to do what we are told to do.

Matthew 6:33 KJV 1900

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The Plan

Verses 5-6

A Sovereign Plan

God was in control of the situation. If he stayed 3 years, the ravens brought him over 2000 meals.

A Satisfying Plan

He received just what the Lord told him he would.

We may not like our situation, but we can be satisfied anywhere if God is caring for us.

Philippians 4:11 KJV 1900

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

A Submissive Plan

The word "dwelt" means "to live." He went to the brook and set up housekeeping. He intended to live there until the Lord told him to move.

Philippians 4:12 KJV 1900

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

God’s purpose was to help Elijah come to the place where he could trust God for one day at a time. He probably worried the first few days.

Romans 1:17 (KJV 1900)

... The just shall live by faith.

God wants us to be totally dependent upon Him.

Conclusion

Before Elijah could stand victorious on Carmel, he must sit by Cherith.

Remember that God is in control of our lives.

Romans 8:28 KJV 1900

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.