November 2, 2015

Instruction
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-16
As we read these lessons we enter into a time in the Church year that focuses on the Last Days. At the same time, our congregation focuses on stewardship as we prepare the budget for next year. In this reading we find that Elijah, God’s prophet, had proclaimed that it would not rain and that there would be a great drought because of the king, queen, and many of the people had turned away from God to worship idols. In the midst of this drought, God sent Elijah to a widow who had a son, but she herself was at the end of her supplies. Elijah instructed her to make something for him first, proclaiming that the oil and flour would not run out. God provided it through the end of the drought. This is a lesson that speaks to faith, giving, and obedience even in extreme situations, and it comforts us as God provides.
Teaching
The idolatry of Ahab and those who followed him had terrible consequences that hurt other people. This is something that should be realized about sin: it hurts people in many ways. But in the midst of the hurts of sin, God displays His mercy and love in some remarkable ways. In this particular situation, God protected Elijah, the widow, and her son through a miracle of providing flour and oil. God’s grace was fully on display in His care for these three people.
This lesson is also a message about trust that leads to action. The widow was planning to starve to death. She knew she only had enough to make a small cake of bread, yet at the promise of God she gave it up. Sometimes people complain that giving is hard and they ask, “Would God really ask me to give so much?” This woman was asked to give everything. She did and God blessed her for her faith.
Life
Have you been asked to give everything to God? In a sense the answer is, “Yes!” Jesus has redeemed our whole lives and we belong fully to Him. In another sense the answer is probably, “No.” You probably have not been asked to sell your home and all you own to be obedient to God. In fact, God has provided those things for you out of his love for you.
This raises a question, though. How much has God asked us to give? Perhaps a better way to ask that question is: How has God asked us to give? We can talk about amounts like giving tithes or even all that we have, but our motivation is also key. God asks us to give in faith that He has provided for us and will keep providing for us because He loves us.
Prayer
Father in Heaven, this account of the widow of Zarephath both comforts and challenges us. You show that sometimes you ask us to give everything we have for Your service, but we also see that You provide for your people out of Your mercy and grace.
Thank you for the faith of the woman. Thank you for all You provide to us.
Forgive us for doubting Your ability to provide and for clinging to the things of this earth more than we cling to Your Word and promise. Forgive us for not trusting You fully.

Please give us faith to trust in You, O Lord, and when You ask much of us we pray that You would strengthen our faith and give us Your Spirit so we may joyfully follow Your call for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 

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