Running on Empty (1 Kings 17:8-16)

Introduction

· Please turn to 1 Kings 17.

· Last week, we left Elijah camped out by the Brook Cherith, being fed by ravens, while a severe drought had overtaken the land as punishment for their sin.

· Story: seeing a raven at TMC that was pulling out a windshield wiper.

· That God would provide through ravens is a miracle!

· Two Life Lessons: (1) God takes sin very seriously. (2) God sends trials to refine our character and prepare us for greater service.

· Read 1 Kings 17:8-16

· This story is a beautiful example of God’s provision. We all need to be reminded of God’s provision today.

Ø Laid off from work.

Ø Maybe struggling to pay your bills.

Ø Watched retirement evaporate last month.

Ø Concerned over the debt our nation is taking on, and what it will mean for our kids and grandkids.

New Instructions

· After a little while. The brook continues for a while, and then dries up. Even here, Elijah could grow comfortable, complacent, start to trust the stream and the ravens rather than God himself. God is continuing his ministry training for this man.

· Arise, go to Zarephath. 90 miles away. Gentile territory. The home of wicked queen Jezebel (16:31). Deep behind enemy lines.

· A Gentile region! A widow!

· Will Elijah cooperate? Cf. Jonah. But Elijah appears more noble than he. God is continuing to refine his character and test his faith.

A Widow Suffers (8-12)

· Elijah makes a challenging demand

· Life Lesson #3 – God Supplies Our Needs While Stretching Our Faith

· Supplies our Needs

· Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (i.e. lack nothing)

· See Matthew 6:28-34

· Stretches our Faith. God must come first.

· Proverbs 3:9–10 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

· 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

· Tithe statistics. These are hard times for churches. Declined church attendance. Rise of the “nones.” (when asked their religion, they declare none). 65% of churches report a decline in giving because of the coronavirus. 30-50% of active church attenders give nothing. 70% of Christians have no will at the time they die, and thus don’t leave any money to kingdom causes. Average Christian gives 2.5% of his income to the Lord. Don’t wait until you are able to give. God will provide.

· Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

· Here we see something of God’s heart for the nations. Luke 4:26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.

God Provides (13-16)

· Life Lesson #4 – God Specializes in Divine Reversals

· Our first cruise ship experience. A newlywed couple living in a one bedroom apt in the cheap part of town. Couldn’t afford a cruise, but were able to travel standby. Ended up seated at the captain’s table, the VIP table for two, with personal visits by the maître ‘ d every night. Felt like Joseph, who had been in a dungeon one day, and suddenly found himself second in command under Pharaoh. It was a kind of divine reversal.

· Gathering sticks (10) >> ate for many days (15)

· The Bible seems to be filled with these kinds of stories: Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Ruth, David, Esther, Rich man and Lazarus.

· Every good story has some tension and change that occurs. Heidi learning about writing stories. Plot includes Characters. Conflict. Climax. Resolution.

· The gospel is the greatest story of all, and it contains a divine reversal.

· Matthew 19:30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

· Colossians 1:21–22 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

· Ephesians 2:12–13 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Conclusion

· “once your enemies, now seated at your table, Jesus thank you.”

· · God is not done with this widow yet. Another, even more challenging trial is coming…