Miracles in the midst of drought

The obedience of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath

Miracles on the Edge: The Power of Obedience and Faith

Bible Passage: 1 Kings 17:1–16

Summary: In this passage, the prophet Elijah experiences God's provision during a time of drought and famine. He obeys God's command to go to Zarephath, where he meets a widow who also exercises her faith by providing him with water and a meal, resulting in miraculous sustenance for her and her son.

Application: This sermon could help Christians recognize the importance of obedience in their faith walk, encouraging them to trust God in difficult times. It underscores the idea that when we act in faith, we open ourselves to God's miraculous provision in our lives, even when circumstances seem dire.

Teaching: The sermon could teach that faith and obedience are essential to experiencing God's miracles. Just as Elijah and the widow demonstrated their faith through obedience, we too are called to step out in faith trusting that God will provide for our needs.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage foreshadows Christ as the ultimate provider and sustainer. Jesus mirrors Elijah's compassion and power in providing for needs (as seen in the feeding of the 5,000), highlighting God's continuous provision through faithful obedience.

Big Idea: When we choose to obey God's call and step out in faith, we position ourselves to witness His miraculous work in our lives and in the lives of others.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of 1 Kings 17 using Logos to better understand the significance of Elijah's ministry during a time of apostasy in Israel. Look into the cultural practices surrounding widowhood and hospitality in ancient societies for deeper insights into the widow's faith. Additionally, examine commentaries that address the theological implications of God's provision, as this can enrich your understanding of faith and obedience in the biblical narrative.

1. Ravens and Reliance

1 Kings 17:1-6

You could reflect on Elijah's initial obedience to God's command to go to the Kerith Ravine, where he was miraculously fed by ravens. Here, obedience is the first step toward experiencing God's provision. Consider how stepping out in faith, even when the resources seem unlikely or insufficient, allows one to witness God's hand at work. In these verses, we see Elijah's trust in a seemingly impossible situation, setting the stage for greater things to come. This faith in action foreshadows Christ's own reliance on God's provision and guidance.

2. Brooks and Beginnings

1 Kings 17:7-9

Perhaps underscore Elijah's response when the brook dried up. God provided new instructions, demonstrating that faith requires readiness to move when God directs. Elijah's flexibility and perseverance are essential lessons, as God sometimes changes our path to lead us into greater opportunities. This moment is about attentive faithfulness, learning to let go of past provisions and trust God for new directions. Just as Jesus depended on the Father’s direction, Elijah embodies a responsive faith.

3. Widow's Willingness

1 Kings 17:10-12

Maybe focus on the widow’s predicament and her initial doubt at Elijah's request. This serves as a powerful example of how God’s requests might seem burdensome or unreasonable. However, her willingness to listen marks the beginning of a miraculous journey. Her small act of faith multiplied into God's abundance, illustrating how trust and obedience can transform scarcity into surplus. This aligns with Christ's teaching on faith during trials, reminding us to trust beyond our understanding.

4. Miraculous Multiplication

In the book of 1 Kings 17, we read about the prophet Elijah being sent to the widow of Zarephath during a drought. This story reminds us that even in times of despair, God can provide. The drought was a response to the people's disobedience, but through it, God demonstrated His faithfulness by sustaining the widow and her son. This teaches us that God allows struggles to bring us back to Him, showcasing His desire for a relationship, not merely punishment.

Imagine a gardener who withholds water from his plants not out of cruelty, but to teach them resilience and dependence on him. Similarly, God brought drought to Israel not just as a punishment for sin but as a means to turn their hearts back to Him. When we face spiritual dryness, it’s often a call to seek God more earnestly, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from Him, not from the world around us.

In a desert, hope seems lost, much like the time when God sent a drought to Israel as a wake-up call. Yet, droughts in our lives, like famine, can lead to spiritual growth. Just as dry seasons encourage a deepening of roots to find water, God may bring drought to pull us away from distractions and toward Him. It’s a serious reminder that without Him, we cannot flourish – physically or spiritually.

In biblical times, drought was a serious matter. God used it as a way to get Israel's attention and prompt them to repent from their idolatry. Just like a loving parent corrects a child, God sends droughts to remind us of our need for Him. It teaches us that prosperity can lead to forgetfulness of God, and sometimes a lack of physical abundance is meant to restore our spiritual abundance.

I once spoke with a farmer who faced several years of drought. He shared that, while difficult, those seasons taught him to appreciate every drop of rain and cultivated deeper faith. In Israel, the drought served a similar purpose, turning hearts back to God and teaching reliance on Him. This illustrates how God can use our dry times not as punishment, but as opportunities for spiritual renewal and growth.

In the fast-paced world of social media, negativity or unrealistic portrayals can weigh you down. To live relevantly according to God’s story, curate your social media feeds to reflect positivity and faith-based content. Follow accounts that inspire you with scripture, uplifting messages, and community service stories. Moreover, take a deliberate break from social media one day a week to focus on personal growth and engage in actual conversations. This not only helps you maintain a healthy mindset but also encourages you to share your faith more genuinely offline.

… obedience is taught throughout the entire Bible… true obedience is one of the toughest requirements of the Christian life. Apart from obedience, there can be no salvation, for salvation without obedience is a self-contradictory impossibility.8

A. W. Tozer

The best measure of a spiritual life is not its ecstasies but its obedience.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)

Nothing is more fatal to us than to refuse to give ourselves in obedience to God.

John Calvin (French Reformer)

Obedience is the end of our calling.

John Calvin (French Reformer)

To know God is to know that our obedience is due to him.

C. S. Lewis

Obedience is the key to every door.

George Macdonald (Scottish Novelist and Poet)

We learn more by five minutes’ obedience than by ten years’ study.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)

The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are opposite sides of the same coin.

A. W. Tozer

1 Kings 17:13-16

You could explore the miraculous result of both Elijah's and the widow’s acts of faith. The unending supply of oil and flour signifies God's unwavering promise to sustain those who trust Him fully. This demonstrates how obedience coupled with faith leads to experiencing divine miracles. This passage pre-empts Jesus' miracles, such as feeding the multitudes, showing God as forever faithful. It encourages believers today to trust God’s provisions and promises as they step out in faith.