Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: "Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there."
I was in a store and saw a posted a sign, “In God we trust” all others pay cash.
Political groups such as the Civil Liberties Union claim to stand up for the rights of others. Even though they may not be atheistic, they believe we should abide by the rights of atheists and agnostics by eliminating all references to God from our government.
As Christians we believe that one of the reasons God has so richly blessed our country was because of the faith of our forefathers, the growth of Christianity, and the freedom to speak out our faith throughout the land was protected by government. As mentioned often the protection provided in the constitution was to prevent churches from government interference and uphold the rights of others to believe what they want, (not to keep them from faith). The government officially has long since ceased from trusting in God, even though most of the political speeches end with “God bless America”, or “God bless us all”. It seems the government believes the strength of America is economics and the size of our military. Therein does it place its trust.
Abraham Lincoln said, “I am not so concerned that God is on our side, as I am that we are on Gods’ side.” The Psalmist says, Ps 20:7-8 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.” Where is your trust?
Many will say they trust God, but as soon as difficulty comes financially, they find the riches were really rusting. As soon as difficulty comes with health or well-being many give up on Him. Some might place all their energies working in their vocation to get ahead and by all outward practices they trust their own resources.
Last week we saw that James said Elijah was a man like us. He believed God was alive, and well in Israel. His life was proof of that. He believed God was King and sovereign over all. God was in charge of Israel, not King Ahab. He believed in God’s word and was willing to pray it into action as he got on his knees and the rains of heaven stopped.
Elijah courageously stood up and spoke the prophecy of the draught to the King. That draught was a direct slap in the face to the false beliefs in Baal. Maybe if the people saw there was draught instead of rain, they would know Baal could not help them and perhaps they would repent and turn back to the one true God.
In verse 2 God gave Elijah a new command to go to the Kerith Ravine. He gave him a promise that he would supply his needs miraculously. Elijah was trusting the Lord, but there would be some steps along the way. Real trust results in some response.
Application: Think about how your responses today reflect your trust in God. Do you act or do anything differently than your unsaved friend or neighbor today? What?
Prayer: Father, give me the strength like Elijah to trust in Your promises and not government or any other source.
