Loved cared for and protected
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Introductory words
God gave us the word of God and the ten commandments. We should live and act according to them. According to the Book of Judges, Israel had consistently broken the first commandment.
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20,2+3 (ESV)
Through their idolatry, they always came under foreign rule.
Ahab became king of Israel. In the time of King Ahab of Israel, Jezebel was enticed into Baal service by his wife. Ahab built a temple and altar of Baal in Samaria and an Asherah image. The altars of the Lord were destroyed and His prophets cut off. Pagan idolatry seemed to be gaining ground in Israel. According to 1 Kings 19:10
Then Elijah the prophet brought the message of the Lord to King Ahab. A year-long drought is imminent, which will only end with the word of the prophet Elijah.
Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” And the word of the Lord came to him: “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
1. King 17,1-6 (ESV)
Many days have passed, people and animals are groaning. There is a lack of water. The king and his rulers are very angry. King Ahab is angry with Elijah. He is looking for him in all the surrounding countries. From each country they must bring a confirmation, Elijah is not here!
Where is Elijah? where is his hiding place
God hid him. God said, „Elijah, hide yourself by the creek Krit that flows into the Jordan.“ I commanded the ravens to take care of you. Elijah obeyed and went and sat down by the creek Krit.
Here Elijah lived in complete isolation from people for a long time. Silence surrounded him. He was protected and cared for by God. The ravens visited him twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. They brought him bread and meat.
Each time it was a greeting from God his Lord, telling him: “Elijah, I know where you are! I will never forget you! I am sticking with you! You can trust me completely! If you’re supposed to leave the hideout, I’ll tell you. Don’t plan yourself! I am your God who guides, loves, and protects you.
The big difference
Elijah is in closest fellowship with God. But the people of Israel are far from him. They experienced dryness, drought, need and sorrow. God spoke to the people through it. Did they hear him, did they know why it didn’t rain?
God still speaks to us today. He wants all people to receive His help. God wants to live in close relationship with every person.
- God speaks through events.
Such as illness, accident, earthquake and other disasters. - God speaks through his word.
It tells us that God loves us. He sent Jesus to save us.
“For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.John3,16 (ESV)
Do we hear his voice?
Are we living like Elijah, in close relationship with God? He wants to love, guide, provide for and protect us!
Author: Edith Waechter
Images: https://pixabay.com/de