When you are in the middle of the famine, I know that it can feel like you just want to give up, but there is a lesson to be learned even in the middle of a desolate place. After walking 100 miles, Elijah politely asked her for a drink (v. 10). Each year around Mothers Day we take a look at one or two famous mothers in the Bible to see what principles we can learn from their lives and experiences. But oftentimes hospitality can be spontaneous and simple as well. The second matter has to do with Gods discipline. Having trouble logging into your account? Besides it being a walk of faith, I wonder if God leads us one step at a time because it would be intimidating & overwhelming if we knew everything in our future, (IL) Reading syllabus at the beginning of a semester totally overwhelmed & intimidated, (IL) Following his guidance is often like being a trapeze artist, -We may have to let go of one bar to turn around & get the next, III. Are you ready to say, , God, here I am. Maybe you need to be like this widow and believe in the promises of God for your life and take a step of faith. Have you ever watched a time-travel movie like Back to the Future? 1 Kings 17:1-24, 2 Kings 4:1-7, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 7:11-17, Matthew 6:33, Lamentations 3:22-23, John 11:25, Denomination:
9 Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 2. And then, the boy suddenly died (v. 17)! V. What God hath promised, He is well able to perform: "So she went away, and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. And dont forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking here. just remember it, 1. Thesis: Just because some gods fail, doesnt mean there is no God
Because God doesnt always say yes. My point is that while I was sitting around and complaining about the fact that I could not afford these two things. Concerning this gracious supply that the Lord made for Elijah and the woman, notice:-, 2023 Words of Life Ministries - an independent evangelical Registered Charitable Trust (no.269381) Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy Website by: TEKOA Creative. You can check out my blog on when I was failing as a single mom. In one sense, she had little to lose. David, the little shepherd boy that everyone looked who seemed too insignificant to lead but he became the mighty King of Israel. We need to trust Gods promise to provide. It was a dangerous tripover 100 miles, across a desert, during a time of drought, directly into enemy territory (there even was a bounty on his head; 1 Kings 18:10)! He called to her and asked, Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink? 11 As she was going to get it, he called, And bring me, please, a piece of bread., 12 As surely as the Lord your God lives, she replied, I dont have any bread only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Elijah was a man who listened to Godand God listened to his prayers! One day he went to King Ahab and
But you need to trust that God has his reasons, and please know this: If Gods no to your prayer is breaking your heart, it is breaking his heart also. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Now Elijah is being called to minister to others who are in need. The first has to do with Gods guidance. This sermon explores Elijah's interactions with the widow of Zarephath, and we learn that God never abandons us, faith requires obedience, and to receive a blessing I must be a blessing. GIVE OF YOUR FLOUR & OIL OR DIE! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are times in life when we are called upon to take the lid off. But I also remember in those moments that despite my situation you would never know it.
By this time there was famine in the land because God had stopped the rain. Think about the things you are worried about and ask yourself, have you given it over to God? The widow of Zarephath plays a small but important role in Elijah's story. And if there is a chance you mine as well try. This sermon explores Elijah's interactions with the widow of Zarephath, and we learn that God never abandons us, faith requires obedience, and to receive a blessing I must be a blessing. Hospitality is God-directed and God-ordained. Through Jesus God welcomes us into his family and forever home. Can you take the lid off a little this morning? God will not give us more than we can handle. Surely, you meant someone else., God reassured Elijah. 1 Kings 17:8-9.
Unsung Heroines-The Widow Of Zarephath - SermonCentral Yet, God in his grace has promised to reward your hospitality. Father, you lead us . It is this supernatural mark which will attract people to our Savior.
3 Lessons From Elijah and The Widow at Zarephath - The Wise Believer When did we do all these things? And Jesus will reply: I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40). Welcome! It is an important way that God provides for needs, and God may be sending someone specifically your way. read more, Scripture:
I Kings 17:15-16. She herself was president of the womens lib group on the campus.
Sermons about The Widow From Zarephath - SermonCentral.com Not only was Elijah sent to be provided for by the widow, but Elijah was sent as an answered prayer for the widow.
Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath Sermon 18 She said to Elijah, What do you have against me, man of God? When God wanted to change the world, a little baby was born in Bethlehem. Her sorrow: To suffer extreme poverty, famine, and the loss of husband and son. The widow of Zarephath Bible verse: Sometime later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Theme: Our Fathers Promises Trump our Worries See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Giving Elijah his portion first is a huge sacrifice. Some of the older generation born before 1950s were not privileged to be educated and sometimes think that their knowledge of God is restricted because they cant read the Bible. The premise is always that a small change in the past could have enormous repercussions in the future. or that he would be outnumbered 450 1 as he faced the prophets of Baal on Mt. This sermon about Elijah and the widow of Zarephath from 1 Kings 17:1-16 explores what to do when you feel you are running on empty. Which brings me to my next point. Look at verses 13-14 with me now: Elijah said to her, Dont be afraid. In her mind, the end is near. That could be being broke, jobless, and stressed out. That money may not seem like much to you, but it was much when it came down to the fact I had no money. When Jesus turned water into wine there were about 180 gallons. . Evangelical Free. And so, God instructs Elijah to go to Zarephath where he has commanded a widow to supply him with food. God told him that the widow would feed him. He gulps then obeys, telling the woman of Gods promise. Even so God will carry you through other difficulties that are out of your control. Could it be that some things in your life have come to an end because God is moving you onto the next task. Sometimes Gods provision just seems to dry up. We rarely know the reasons why things happen, and we just need to trust God in the midst of our trials. "And the word of the Lord came to Elijah" B. Just know even if you cannot see the support or see where the help is going to come from, help is on the way. If we take off our lids a little contribute how we can. Hospitality can be spontaneous and simple (10-12). And yet God has promised to multiply her flour and oil if she does so. Far too often we cry out to the Lord to deliver us out of the test that He intends to walk us through it. In these moments, we are all tempted to pull out our victim cards, but the Widow did the very opposite. We dont know, the woman doesnt know, not even Elijah knows.
God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supply. Baptist. When I went through that famine season in my life, it was SOOOO terrible. The Widow of Zarephath challenges us to make time in our hearts and schedules to meet the needs of others, even when life hasn't dealt us the fairest cards. Elijah stayed perhaps two years with this widow and her son. Feel free to hit the comments button on any post and join the discussion. ", To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. It would be my prayer that those who are going through a wilderness time will pay attention and learn the lessons of relying on Gods grace like Elijah and the widow did. The prophet was right. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. Your small increase of faith, your small step in becoming more Christ-like in your daily walk, youre speaking up for something important to you.
God first sent Elijah to a stream where God had ravens make a daily bread delivery. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you." 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. Proverbs 11:25; Hebrews 6:10.
PDF L2 The Widow of Zeraphath - Clover Sites Her one handful of flour and oil lasted until the drought was over! . See what an old man said - Psalm 37:25, and remember that Gods supplies never fail where there is faith - compare Matthew 6:32 and Philippians 4:19. . Matthew 6:33.
Unfortunately a lot of society think that the more educated and more religious experienced people are closer to God. Do you see how hospitality can be spontaneous and simple? And he called to her and said, Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 11And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand. 12And she said, As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Life and especially living for Jesus isn't about what I can get but what can I give. Her one handful of flour and oil lasted until the drought was over! CONCLUSION: Moms, dads, singles, working families and retired how are you doing in this whole area of hospitality? But if she takes the lid off and uses a little of it to help this starving man then maybe a miracle will happen. Elijah asked Mrs Oil for some bread and water. A B A.
And he is not finished with you. read more, Scripture:
Hospitality requires sacrifice and faith. Let me ask, how do you handle it when youre running on empty? Many rich people threw in large amounts. It's not about looking after me me me like building bigger barns or a bigger bank account. [2] Elijah and the widow (v. 10-16). Having trouble logging into your account? Trust Gods promise to provide (15-16) She feeds Elijah in her home.
Click here to return to the Sermons page. It sucked. Our story centers around Elijah the prophet, who was coming off a long episode in the wilderness a little water pool sustained him. >Elijah the good news is that you get to leave Cherith. II. Yes, she has provided hospitality for Elijah, but she knows that does not cancel out her sin. Zarephath was Gentile territory. She began to mix up another batch. Assembly Of God. Baptist. I barely have food for myself let alone to feed you. Elijah doesnt understand either. Heres the thing about taking the lid off and entering into a spirit of praise and trust in God. Here comes a man asking for some food, telling you that God sent him to you and he wants to take the last bit of food from you and your son. As believers we are called to seek Gods kingdom first, and we see the widow at Zarephath do this when she takes care of Elijahs needs before her own. But his mom takes the bread and disappears outside with it. And then God told me to donate $60 to the organization.
Does He today? Sometimes he says no, and we dont understand why. guidance, -Theme for this msg comes from this thot God is guiding & leading Elijah, -Well see five ingredients that go along with Gods guidance, I. The Widow of Zarephath is one of the most poignant and moving stories in the Bible. She replied that she only had enough for her and her son to eat one meal before they died (v. 12). 1 Kings 17:7. Good morning! The widow of Zarephath seemed to have so little to offer to the work of God, but God somehow took what she had and used it abundantly. tpc@tpckearney.org, Background images courtesy of our own Beth Cole, https://www.tpckearney.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-08-29.mp3. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food." 10 So he went to Zarephath. Zarephath, a town of Phoenicia. Probably she had been well provided for, but now she was suffering as a result of the drought. The above verse is when God directed Elijah to go to the widow and ask her for some food. That is what I do not understand people who have issues trusting God. *Did you ever get a good news bad news message? 1 Kings 17:7-16, Denomination:
I suspect he spent a lot of time instructing then in the things of the Lord.
a He had to walk it out. . (verse 14). TEXT: 1 Kings 17:1-9 (CEV) Elijah was a prophet from Tishbe in Gilead. Do you understand that hospitality is God-directed and ordained? Whatever you ask me to do, I will do., Worship Services: What to Expect & Plan Your Visit, Keys to Financial Freedom: Spend Wisely 7.2.23, Keys to Financial Freedom: Give Generously 6.25.23, Keys to Financial Freedom: An Overview 6.18.23, Ephesians: Summary and Closing Comments 6.11.23, Ephesians: Spiritual Warfare 101 6.4.23, Choose to be a modern day Elijah by being willing to go where God. I would pray that wed respond to the needs around us and be sources of hope and strength. I have a little meal and oil left, just enough to make one last supper and, then there is nothing. I. Just a little praise with a smile on your face. 3Now wash and anoint yourself, and
Tears fill her eyes. 1. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat itand die. 1 Kings 17:12. This widow had no bread. She compliedand so did God! When Elijah arrived, he met a thread-bare widow who was gathering a few sticks to build a fire to cook a final meal for herself and her sonand then they would die of starvation! You can check out my blog on when I was failing as a single mom, to see my season of famine and how it played out. His belly is bloated, his arms and legs are sticks, and his eyes are jaundiced. And as Christians when it comes to hospitality, our default position should always be yes rather than no to provide for others when we can rather than not to provide. The smell of the bread wafts through the house. Whatever you ask me to do, I will do. ? Hebrews 11:35 and 1 Kings 17:8-24. You may need to wait until heaven to collect your reward. Now, we need to be careful with this principle. | 460 views Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-16 Tags: Elijah, Widow Of Zarephath, Unsung Heroines Denomination: Baptist Introduction: this widow woman probably wasn't even an Israelite but she believed the words of Elijah, the prophet of the LORD, God of Israel.
Then, Elijah adds, Also, bring me a morsel of bread.. The widow of Zarephath had nothing but gave everything and received everything that mattered back in return. Both mothers have a greater miracle performed when their sons die and are raised to life again. For all of these things, I say thank you. Its also an amazing lesson about faith. We see this when the widows son dies and God answers Elijahs prayer to restore him to life. Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath - Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.
Commentary on 1 Kings 17:8-16 - Working Preacher The news is that the new lady, Mrs. Jones really likes your sermons.
BB Research | Widow of Zarephath *A pastor had one of his elders come up to him one time, all excited, and said, Pastor, pastor. In Luke 21 Christ pointed to a poor widow in the temple who had just given God the last piece of money that she had. When we offer hospitality to others, we also imitate God. Romans 12:13 tells us: Share with Gods people who are in need.
PDF The Widow of Zarephath: Learning to Trust in the Provision of God The smell of bread and fear hang in the air.
I believe if we all take the lid off a little, and use our gifts as meager and insignificant as they may seem, we will see how that magnifies and snowballs. This perhaps is one of my favorite verses of this story. (v. 8-9). Introduction Observing God's interaction with Elijah and Elijah's spiritual journey in his day provides insight and principles for us in our day which is not unlike what Elijah faced. Matthew 10:42. Elijah stayed perhaps two years with this widow and her son. Something bad happens in your life and you immediately think God is punishing you for some specific sin that you did. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food. Some stranger wants her hospitality. At first glance it would seem the prophet was quite selfish but the message here is that "our little will go as far as it is necessary when we put the work of the Lord ahead of our own personal needs." Give a little bit of faith that even though it may look bleak now, even though you feel like you are runnin on empty, runnin on dry, that you trust the Lord your God will not leave you high and dry. read more, Scripture:
If that is your plight today, you may be wondering, , He is closer than you think.
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