Bible Reading: 1Kings 16, 17, 18; Luke 22: 49-71
“And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan” – 1 Kings 17:2-3 (KJV)
The world has made many discoveries in various fields for the benefit of mankind. However, to enjoy some of those things maximally, one needs to keep the instruction attached with it. Take for instance, each handset comes with manual which contains how to operate it. Sadly, many handlers of some brand of phone sets under-utilise them because of failure to adhere to the instructions provided in the manual.
In the same vein, no child of God can have the best of God when he refuses to keep to the given instructions on the way to lead life. Elijah, the Tishbite who hailed from Gilead, an enigma, appeared on the scene to confront the excesses of king Ahab who has misled the nation, yet not without the negative influence of his wife. Elijah’s action against the tyranny of Ahab exemplifies the way we should behave as God’s children when we see evil in our environment. He was bold to stand before the king, not expecting gift that would silence him, rather, to declare the counsel of God over his godless attitude.
As Elijah finished the declaration, God came to him: “And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan” -1 Kings 17: 2-3. For the life of this Prophet to continue, there are three steps to take namely: 1) Get thee hence, 2) And turn thee eastward, 3) And hide thyself. Until the above two verses are fulfilled, the next verse would not find fulfilment. Look at the way verse four starts, “And it shall be,…” What does that mean? If you refuse to arise and go to that direction, it shall not be. What were those things that he would have forfeited? Drinking from the brook and eating of the food which God has commanded the ravens to give to him. v. 4. “So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook” – 1 Kings 17:5-6 (KJV).
A lot of us have missed the provision of water, food and protection because we have refused to stay within the instruction given by the Lord to us. However, no matter how far you have rejected His instructions, He is still willing to give you another opportunity which would afford you the privilege to drink, eat and enjoy His protection. Remember, your ravens have the address to which the provision should be delivered.
Prayer Point: I receive grace to abide by God’s instruction in Jesus Christ name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole