1 Kings 17.8-16 & 2 Kings 4.1-4
As we often find, incidents about Elijah and Elisha share common details. The Lord, the author of all scripture, is teaching us of His ways. These common details are not coincidences; they are divine reinforcing of lessons for us. As Joseph said to Pharaoh: ‘the thing is fixed by God’ (Gen 41.23).
God sent Elijah to Zarephath, near Sidon; an area occupied by Gentiles. We read a quaint scene of a widow gathering sticks for her final meal. The current famine in the region guaranteed the sad inevitability of imminent death. All she had was the tiny provision of bread and flour and oil. As scripture often records, there was great need and insufficient resources.
Elijah commanded faith and obedience, that the widow put him first. ‘Elijah’ meaning ‘the Lord is God.’ His words were direct; ‘will you trust God in this situation?’ She faced sacrifice and risk, whether she obeyed or not!
The command came with a promise of abundance, v14. She obeyed. God provided!
‘There was always enough’
The second incident is set in a different context, of a widow amongst the community of the prophets. She was threatened with debt, rather than death. All she had was a flask of olive oil. Again, there was great need and insufficient resources
A different command, this time to ‘borrow vessels’ from her neighbours. This involved a commitment and risk, perhaps even looking foolish. I imagine the widow thinking; ‘I am borrowing many empty bottles; without a miracle they stay empty, and I feel foolish!’
There was a command and a promise. She obeyed. God provided! Although there was a different technique, there was similar abundance – ‘Every contained was full to the brim’
The lesson is clear and obvious. The result of simple faith was multiplied blessings; and such abundance was a sign of God’s grace. In these instances, a total trust in God that He would provide what was needed.
God loves faith. Our faith can open up great blessings.