S) "24 Then the woman said to Elijah, 'Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.'"
1 Kings 17:24 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 17
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 17
O) The quick version of this story, is that Elijah had come to this woman for water, because of the drought. She explained that she and her son were going to eat their last meal, the last of her flour and oil, then she expected that they would die. However, the LORD provided just as Elijah spoke it, and the flour and oil were not exhausted until the drought ended. Then, her son died from an illness. Even so, the LORD heard Elijah's prayers and the boy was resurrected. Finally, she spoke the words above. This story is strikingly similar to that of Lazarus in the day of Jesus. God preserved the life of the boy through the first miracle, but then allowed him to die, only to be raised again to life. Even so, the boy would certainly die eventually. So, what is the point of it all? The same as everything else, the point is to glorify God.
A) What is the most striking to me in this whole story, is this final comment from the mother. She was, perhaps, still unsure about the words of Elijah during the drought, but by the time her some was resurrected, she had no doubt. There is a sense of rest, of peace, when I read these words. It seems as though this woman had no more doubts about anything, since she knew the word of God was so close to her, from the mouth of Elijah. In my own life, I don't have to wonder where there is a man of God, and where I can find the word of God in truth. This is exactly what I have in the Bible. There will always be uncertainty about current events or the circumstances specific to my own life, but I will always find rest and peace, by reading the sure word of God through Scripture. That alone should cause me to glorify God.
P) Father, Your name is great and Your word is true. Open my eyes and ears, as I search Scripture to know You more. I trust that the Holy Spirit, whom You sent to comfort, lead, and teach me, will guide me in every way I need. I don't need to know the details about my future, or even my present, beyond what You will have me know. Let Your will be done this way, Lord. In everything else, let me patiently await You, finding peace and rest in the comfort of Your words and the Holy Spirit. Let me glorify You through every uncertainty, trial, drought, famine, or storm. As I cling to Your words, let me know the truth, and by it, be set free. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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