Today’s Bible Verse
“And Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son.'”
1 Kings 17:13
Put God First
There is something about putting God first. God instructed the prophet Elijah to go to Zarephath, to a widow who God commanded to provide for him. When he arrives, the widow is gathering sticks. The prophet calls to her and says, “Bring me a little water in a cup that I may drink.” As she is going to get it, he calls to her and says, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand”. She tells him that she does not have bread. Elijah then says to her, “Do not fear. Go and do what you have said but make me a small cake from it first. And afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord, your bin of flour will not be used up nor shall your jar of oil run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.”
In this passage of scripture, the prophet asks something of the widow that in the natural seems selfish and arrogant. He was saying, “Put me first”, however; he was demonstrating a principle that is foundational in God’s economy. God, through the prophet is challenging the widow to put Him first. And like the widow you might say, “I don’t have enough to tithe or to bring an offering, especially during this pandemic.”
During the widow’s time, they were going through a drought. It was hard times with food shortages. It was so bad, she was going to make her last meal for her and her son and then plan to die. This is the trying part, like in Malachi 3:10 where God says, “Try Me now in this.” Or as Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom, God’s way of doing and being right.”
Long story short, the widow overcame her fear, responded in faith, trusted the man of God and God was faithful to His promise. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry!
Something to Think About
I have learned that I should never approach God’s Word logically. God uses a widow that is in need to meet the needs of the prophet in need. That doesn’t make sense to me, but yet, both needs were met, the prophet of God and the widow. I don’t know how God does what He does. I am just glad He does it. So now, I approach God, not based on my need, but based on His promises. (Elder Henry Acevedo)
Today’s Declaration
I am willing and obedient; therefore, I will eat the good of the land.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Hosea 9-12; Job 27
- New Testament: John 15:1-8; Revelation 2:18-29
