By: Gideon St Bryce
“But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28
ESV)
The most inspiring Bible experience to me are those of Elijah as recorded in 1 Kings Chapter 17. As life’s journey continues through its multiplicity of meanders, there are foundations on which faith, hope and motivation are built. Elijah’s experiences are essential reference-blocks in my foundation as outlined in the following: Courageous Obedience, Passive Obedience and Dry Brooks in Obedience
Courageous Obedience
The fearlessness with which Elijah conducted his task is so easily underestimated. He walked into the presence of a totalitarian King at the instruction of God and confronted him. But doing so could have very easily, and very likely resulted in his death. But he did it anyway. Courageous Obedience: is not the absence of fear or danger but the determination to do what is necessary and right.
Passive Obedience.
After the display of courage, it is interesting that God himself, told Elijah to go and hide. This is the God who commanded the rain to stay away and the dew to cease. He certainly can defend his servant from a wicked King, but still just a man. From God’s action here, I learn that you do not need to prove you are in charge. Sometimes even when you think you are right, stronger, and better, “hiding” is the best alternative. So, God directed Elijah to the Brook Cherith. Elijah demonstrated passive obedience when he followed God’s instructions.
Dry Brook Obedience
Elijah went to the Brook Cherith. God caused the Ravens to feed him there morning and evening and he drank from the brook. But even being at a location in obedience to God, the brook still dried up. We so often think that when we obey God, we will only experience the green pastures, and will flourish like trees planted by the rivers (Psalms 1:3). But, I have come to accept that in our walk of obedience, there are “drought” effects that we still will experience. Thankfully, Verse 8 says, “the word of the Lord came to [Elijah] him.” The critical thing is not the circumstance but the communication. Elijah knew, as should we, if he walked in obedience, he will not he abandoned; the Lord will give the “next step”, guidance, and so he did, and for us, so he will. Stay faithful in your Dry Brook Obedience.
Resourceless Obedience
Amazingly, God sent Elijah from the dried brook to the widow of Zarephath. He told him the woman will sustain him. This was a woman who had a son, who had lost her husband and was herself feeling the effects of the drought. She was clearly in no position to sustain Elijah; yet God promised Elijah his sustenance through her. Really, God does not need our resources to accomplish his task through us. He provides us resources, tangible and intangible, if we are willing to purposefully use them. What God requires is our willingness to obey. Be obedient even in the face of apparent lack.
