Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Mission from Everyone to Everywhere
1 Kings 17:1-14
 

Saramma Chacko
Epiphany MTC, NY

“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook” (1Kings 17:6)
God can use anyone from anywhere, regardless of their demographic, socio-economic or geo-political background to accomplish His divine purposes. He has used differently abled people and those with physical disabilities as His vessel. Animals and birds have been used for Kingdom purposes.
Elijah as directed by God, appeared before King Ahab of the Northern kingdom and delivered His message boldly; that there will be no dew or rain in the land until he announces the commencement of the rain. In those days, Israel was totally dependent on rainfall for agriculture, which was their main occupation. So with-holding the rain, meant upcoming drought and famine.
God told Elijah to go and stay by the Brook Cherith, which was a tributary of the River Jordan. God appointed ravens, the unclean birds to fly in food for Elijah twice daily, while he had the water to drink from the Brook. The ravens followed God’s directives. They worked as relief workers and messengers of hope for Elijah. God used the ravenous birds to fulfill His mission. Nothing can thwart His purpose. The question is; are we willing to be an active participant for the extension of His Kingdom? Will we utilize the opportunities provided for us to glorify Him? If we don’t, then we are the looser of the Kingdom. God can accomplish His purpose regardless of our inactivity through someone else.
Later, when the Brook Cherith dried, God opened another door for Elijah to survive. God told him to go to a gentile widow in the enemy territory of Zarephath, in Sidon, so King Ahab could not find him. The poor widow and her son were contemplating death after eating their last meal. That’s when Elijah arrived there. He requested for a drink and a small cake, assuring the widow that they will have enough for the future. In faith, the widow obeyed and they had enough food to last the famine. The widow accomplished her God ordained mission. Both Elijah and the widow were a blessing to each other.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, Help us to follow Your direction even when it seems meaningless to us. Your plans are the best for us. Lord, enable us to be useful instruments in Your hands so that we can fulfill Your divine mission for Your glory. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
When one door closes, God opens a better door for us. Instead of gazing at the closed door, let us venture forward in faith, towards the door God has opened for us.

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