Elijah: Beginning Of Drought Lesson 2 Series

“Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.’” 1 Kings 17:2-4, NKJV

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Hide means absence, the first test of faith is obedience. When is it alright to hide? (John 8:59).

2. Where? “The brook Cherith.” Dangers:

a. Ahab.

b. Self. Can you learn God and yourself in three years?

3. Natural and supernatural provisions, “drink from the brook … I have commanded the ravens to feed you” (v. 4).

4. Why use unclean birds (Deuteronomy 14:14, NKJV)? “Rise Peter, kill and eat … what God has cleansed, you must not call common” (Acts 10:13, 15). Scavenger birds take to young.

5. At same time Obadiah hid and fed 100 prophets (1 Kings 18:3-4).

6. The law of innocent suffering. When the drought came for three years, many innocent suffered.

7. Sometimes less is better than nothing. Bread and meat twice a day is better than nothing.

8. The law of the crucible. God sometimes allows difficult pressures to make us stronger, not to crush us or harm us.

B. TEN APPLICATIONS FOR YOUR LIFE

1. God’s commands and directions are usually attached to God’s promises. “Go to the east ... hide by Brook Cherith ... I command … to bring you food” (v. 3-4).

2. God has a special place for each where He takes care of them. “I have commanded the ravens to feed you there” (v. 4). “I know the plans I have for you … for good and not disaster” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).

3. God will not give you fresh or new marching orders until you complete (obey) what He previously said. “Elijah told king Ahab ... then the LORD said” (1 Kings 17:1-2).

4. Sometimes God leads us to private places (Matthew 6:6) for special instructions. “The LORD said go ... hide” (I Kings 17: 2-3). The word hide means absent.

5. Sometimes God leads us into difficulties for His purpose. “Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you” (Isaiah 30:20, NLT).

6. God may take care of you differently, than He does for others (amount, quality, timing). Obadiah provided for 100 prophets; Elisha was by self.

7. God promises to provide for us. “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches” (Philippians 4:19).

8. God provisions may not include luxuries, i.e., fruits, sweet, etc. “Raven brought … bread and meat each morning and evening” (v. 6).

9. The brook dried up, demonstrates everything in life is transitory.

10. Why does “our” brook or job, or salary dry up. To teach us that God doesn’t provide according to our time schedule, or desires, or place.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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