The Unusually Usual Suspect
The northern kingdom of Israel does not have one faithful king to account for throughout it’s history. The kings were consistently wicked, always leading the people to worship pagan gods, especially Baal. Even the priests were known to be corrupt and ineffective. So God sent Elijah, the first, in a long line of very important prophets to this region.
The people who worshiped Baal believed that he was the god who brought rain and provided for their harvests. So why did God send Elijah? To tell the Baal-worshiping king Ahab that his God wanted them to know they would not have rain for several years, except at Elijah’s word. Although king Ahab was known for having a strong military defense, and many priests of Baal at his side. Nothing he tried could help him bring rain.
God then instructed Elijah to flee to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. I am assuming for protection, and to build his faith while waiting on the Lord. God told Elijah he would be fed by the ravens, and he would drink from the brook. It is interesting that God chose a bird that was known to be unclean and disgusting to feed his faithful servant. But Elijah was faithful to God’s instructions.
I find it amazing that God used Elijah in such unusual circumstances, but provided for him in ways probably beyond his expectations. As we walk through our every day lives, we are faced with tough situations. We may have to stand against an Ahab to defend our faith and be faithful to God’s instructions. We may not understand why we are in a certain place, but we must have faith that God will provide. Even if it is from an unlikely source. We must also realize that we will not accomplish much on our own. Just as Ahab could not bring rain. It does not matter how rich or powerful we may be. We do not control our circumstance. Our most faithful father does!
Will you allow God to use you in unusual circumstances?
Will you have faith that God will provide, even if you do not know the source?
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