Monday 07 June 2010

Background

In this story the prophet Elijah, believed by some to be thegreatest of all the Old Testament prophets, is saved by God. Elijahlived in dangerous times. King Ahab ruled the northern kingdom ofIsrael and worshiped the false god Baal. We learn in the few versesbefore today's reading that "Ahab did more to provoke the anger ofthe Lord, the God of Israel, than had all the kings of Israel whowere before him" (1 Kings 16:33).

Furthermore, Ahab is married to Jezebel. Even today to call someonea 'Jezebel' would be a terrible accusation suggesting sexualimmorality, cruelty, vindictiveness, betrayal or deceitfulness.Ahab and Jezebel were not a nice couple! Elijah had the unenviabletask of warning Ahab that there would be a drought. No rain wouldmean the crops would fail, animals would die and people wouldstarve.

However, God's chosen messenger, the prophet Elijah, is saved fromboth famine and persecution. God speaks to Elijah and guides him ona journey to the other side of the River Jordan. The wadi (astream) provides him with drinking water and the ravens bring himbread and meat, morning and evening. The living God is a god of allcreation and Elijah lives to tell another tale

To Ponder

Think of the ways in which we experience theliving God through God's creation. What are your experiences ofthis?

In today's world lack of water is causingincreasing tensions and concerns. Does it make any sense to presumethat God will provide? Why?