AN UNLIKELY RECIPIENT OF GRACE

In the ninth century BC, the Omri dynasty of Israel were notorious for Baal worship. Furthermore, during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel they practiced and promoted this religion throughout the nation (1 Kings 16:21-34).

As a result, Israel became apostate, therefore, God sent a great drought that lasted for a few years (1 Kings 17:1). Elijah was the Prophet of God that declared this on apostate Israel. Nevertheless, the drought extended beyond Israel to Phoenicia. Amazingly, through His providential care, God guided Elijah to the brook, afterwards to a poor widow (1 Kings 17:2-8).

GOD’S MESSENGER 

So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 1 Kings 17:10 ESV

Interestingly, Elijah was sent to the heart of pagan worship to the town of Zarephath. This region was also close to where Jezebel grew up. The widow’s life was interrupted by Elijah as she was preparing for her final meal, before awaiting her own demise (1 Kings 17:12)

Nevertheless, Elijah was the one who called the drought but asked the poor widow for water. The response of the widow was incredibly ironic. Interestingly, even though she was an idol worshipper, she recognised Elijah as a messenger of God.

Furthermore, Elijah made an extremely demanding request for the widow to serve him first before she consider feeding her own household (1 Kings 17:13).

She obeyed the words of God’s messenger. Sadly, God’s people rejected Elijah and the living God.

and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. Luke 4:26 ESV

Jesus referred to this historical narrative when He experienced rejection from his own hometown. Similarly, the underlying factor was unbelief and rejection of God. The people of Jesus time had more problems because they rejected God who came in the flesh (John 1:11,14).

GOD’S PROVISION 

And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:15 ESV

God had ordained for the widow to feed Elijah, this was realised in the widow’s trust of God’s word through Elijah (1 Kings 17:9). Supremely, the God who ordered the drought can also provide.

Amazingly, this remarkable miracle happened organically as the jar of flour and oil never ran out. This creative miracle lasted for about two years. 

GOD’S POWER 

And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. 1 Kings 17:22 ESV

The blessing of abundance was later mixed in with a bitter tragedy of death. The widow only son became ill and died. Though she believed in a pagan myth that Baal can revive the dead. Nevertheless, her response to this tragedy showed that she had been significantly impacted by God’s power through Elijah.

Also, she realised that the passing of his son must have be the Lord’s doing but also convicted her of sin ( 1 Kings 17:17-18).

Supremely, God demonstrated his power in raising the widow son. In contrast, the false god of Baal is impotent and cannot save.

In the final analysis, the people of Israel were worshipping Baal and had rejected the Almighty God.

However, God sent a drought to display His glory and power. He disciplined His people for their idolatry. In the midst of this crisis, He sent His Prophet to a widow living in a Baal worshipping town. The widow was the recipient of God’s abounding grace. So also, this story anticipates the calling of the Gentiles. 

Precisely, the story of the widow at Zaraphath displayed God’s sovereign power over life and death. Firstly, God is sovereign over life and death on the entire human race. As we have discovered that the widow was waiting to die after her final meal, however God supernaturally provided as He preserved her life. In contrast, God took her son’s life from him but later restored his life back.

Secondly, God is sovereign over life and death in the natural world. He summoned a drought which brings death to parts of nature. Later on, God sent rain and life returned to the natural world in Israel and the entire region (1 Kings 18:41-46).

Ultimately, on the Cross, the sovereign God displayed His power over life and death. When Jesus willingly gave up His Spirit, there was an earthquake. He died but on the third day He rose from the dead and was alive (Matthew 27:50-54). Jesus conquered death as He confirmed that He is God Almighty (Matthew 28:1-10).

Finally, let us know that there’s only one God. He is powerful and gracious. His wisdom is unfathomable. He rescues and lifts the lowly and humble. Therefore, let us honour and worship Him.