1 Kings 17:12-13 But she said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.’ Elijah said to her, ‘Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son.'
When faced with a widow's desperation, Elijah responded with faith. When faced with a mother's dying plan, Elijah called faithfulness out of her.
The widow of Zarephath was preparing a last meal for she and her son in their famine-stricken land. She was going to use up the last of her meal and her final drops of oil to make a cake for she and her son that they could eat for they lay down to die. Elijah's response seems (to put it mildly) a little cold-hearted and selfish: "Fine, but make me something to eat first." But notice his first little theme words, possibly God's fundamental message to humanity: "Do not be afraid."
Do not be afraid of what you lack. Do not be afraid of the empty cupboard. Do not be afraid of running out. Continue to faithfully serve those whom God brings to your doorstep. Continue to faithfully welcome the stranger and alien in your midst. Do not be afraid. God will take care of the rest.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For further conversation, visit http://aslcsdevotions.blogspot.com. Come and join us for Youth Sunday worship this weekend: 8:30 and 11:00 with Education Hour in between.
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