Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 6, 2023
1 Kings 17:7-16
7 After a while the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land. 8 The LORD’s word came to Elijah: 9 Get up and go to Zarephath near Sidon and stay there. I have ordered a widow there to take care of you. 10 Elijah left and went to Zarephath. As he came to the town gate, he saw a widow collecting sticks. He called out to her, “Please get a little water for me in this cup so I can drink.” 11 She went to get some water. He then said to her, “Please get me a piece of bread.” 12 “As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any food; only a handful of flour in a jar and a bit of oil in a bottle. Look at me. I’m collecting two sticks so that I can make some food for myself and my son. We’ll eat the last of the food and then die.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go and do what you said. Only make a little loaf of bread for me first. Then bring it to me. You can make something for yourself and your son after that. 14 This is what Israel’s God, the LORD, says: The jar of flour won’t decrease and the bottle of oil won’t run out until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.” 15 The widow went and did what Elijah said. So the widow, Elijah, and the widow’s household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour didn’t decrease nor did the bottle of oil run out, just as the LORD spoke through Elijah.
Good Morning, Let us celebrate the Lord’s Day with Joy!
Today’s passage tells a similar story as today’s Gospel lesson about feeding the thousands with fishes and loaves. In both stories, we see where there is not enough food to meet the needs of those who have gathered. Here, in 1 Kings, it is a desperate time as the widow prepares to make the last meal for her and her son from the provisions that she has remaining.
I have had times when I didn’t have much, but never to where I was down to my last meal. I’m not sure how I would react if someone came and asked me to share when I had only enough for the last meal before I died.
From my own experiences, we are capable of more than we realize in times of challenge. It’s in the sharing that we are blessed. For the widow, it is a step of faith to do as Elijah asks of her, but I also ask myself if I were preparing a meal from the last of my provisions, does it matter if I eat less than I had planned? If death is knocking on the door, does a few hours matter?
The widow could only see death as she prepared to use the last of the flour and oil. By the grace of God, Elijah placed before her an unexpected option. By serving Elijah some of her bread, a new door was opened before her. Even in our darkest moments, when all earthly understanding is done, God is waiting to provide a new way (new life) for us to continue.
Loving God, We thank you! We see our lives within the context of earthly parameters. You give us new ways and ask us to trust You. We are weak, but you are strong. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: What will I do with my “flour and oil”?
Open the Door! Pastor Liz
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