Jehovah Jireh – A Name of Faith and Thanksgiving
Intro story:
A hunter was deep in the woods, tracking a bear. He had his rifle ready and was determined to bring the bear home. Suddenly, the tables turned—the bear spotted him, let out a mighty roar, and started charging at him!
Panicked, the hunter dropped his rifle and ran for his life. But the bear was fast, and it was clear he wouldn’t escape. Out of options, the hunter fell to his knees, clasped his hands, and prayed, “Lord, please save me from this bear! And while you’re at it, make this bear a Christian!”
To the hunter’s amazement, the bear stopped in its tracks, sat down, folded its paws, and bowed its head. The hunter was astonished—his prayer had been answered! He quietly crept closer to hear what the bear was saying.
The bear prayed, “Lord, thank you for this meal I am about to eat. Amen.”
The name Jehovah Jireh first appears in Genesis 22:14 (NKJV):
"And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, 'In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.'”
Imagine Abraham walking up Mount Moriah, his heart heavy as he prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Yet, Abraham trusted that God would provide. At the moment of greatest need, God stepped in with a ram for the sacrifice. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Abraham named the place Jehovah Jireh.
This story reminds us that thanksgiving is the natural response to God’s provision. When we see how He meets our needs, even in unexpected ways, our hearts should overflow with gratitude. This is the essence of Thanksgiving: recognizing God as the source of every blessing.
God’s Provision in Elijah’s Story
Let’s turn now to Elijah in 1 Kings 17. Elijah had just declared a drought over Israel as judgment for their idolatry. But the same drought that affected the nation also affected Elijah. Yet, Jehovah Jireh showed up in powerful ways.
1. Provision at the Brook of Kerith
God told Elijah in 1 Kings 17:3-4 (NKJV):
"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."
Imagine Elijah sitting by the brook, watching unclean ravens bring him food every morning and evening. Church, Jehovah Jireh used something unexpected to sustain His servant. Elijah could have complained, but instead, he trusted God and thanked Him for the provision.
Thanksgiving Lesson: How often do we focus on what we don’t have instead of thanking God for what He provides? Let’s learn from Elijah to give thanks even when the provision seems unusual or small.
2. Provision Through the Widow of Zarephath
When the brook dried up, God sent Elijah to Zarephath. In 1 Kings 17:9 (NKJV), God said:
"Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you."
Now think about this: God didn’t send Elijah to a wealthy benefactor. He sent him to a poor, starving widow preparing her last meal. Yet, through her faith and obedience, God multiplied the flour and oil:
1 Kings 17:16 (NKJV):
"The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah."
Thanksgiving Lesson: The widow could have focused on her lack, but instead, she trusted God and gave thanks by sharing what little she had. In response, God provided abundantly.
Illustration: Gratitude in Provision
Let me share a story. A farmer in a drought-stricken area once knelt by his empty field and prayed, “Lord, I don’t have rain, but I thank You for the seed I can plant. I don’t have much, but I thank You for the promise of Your provision.”
Months later, that same farmer saw a harvest that far exceeded his expectations. His thanksgiving, even in lack, turned into a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Church, what are you thankful for today? Maybe you don’t have everything you want, but Jehovah Jireh is still at work. Gratitude opens the door to greater blessings.
Lessons from Jehovah Jireh
1. God Provides in Unexpected Ways
Elijah didn’t expect ravens or a widow to be his lifeline. Church, don’t limit how God can provide for you. Give thanks in all circumstances, knowing He is sovereign.
2. Faith and Obedience Lead to Thanksgiving
The widow gave her last meal in obedience, and God rewarded her faith. Thanksgiving flows naturally from a heart that trusts God’s promises.
3. Daily Provision Teaches Gratitude
The flour and oil were replenished daily, not all at once. This reminds us to thank God for today’s blessings while trusting Him for tomorrow. As Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:11 (NKJV):
"Give us this day our daily bread."
Personal Appeal
Church, in this season of Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on God’s provision in your life. Maybe your “brook” has dried up, or you’re in a difficult “Zarephath.” Wherever you are, Jehovah Jireh is still providing. Let’s choose gratitude over grumbling. Let’s trust that His provision is perfect.
This week, make a list of what you’re thankful for—big and small. Share it with someone as a testimony of Jehovah Jireh’s faithfulness.
Illustration
Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910, was a Roman Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. At the age of 18, she left her home in Albania to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland and later moved to India, where she taught at a convent school in Kolkata.
In 1946, she experienced what she described as a "call within a call" to leave the convent and serve the destitute in the slums of Kolkata. With no resources, she stepped out in faith, founding the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. Her mission was to care for "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, and all those who feel unwanted, unloved, and uncared for."
Despite challenges, Mother Teresa trusted in God’s provision, often witnessing miraculous answers to prayer, such as receiving food or supplies just when they were needed. She believed in living a life of love, humility, and service, often saying, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
Her tireless work earned her global recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Mother Teresa passed away in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and a shining example of faith in action.
Conclusion
As we close, let’s meditate on Psalm 46:10 (NKJV):
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Church, be still in your spirit. Rest in Jehovah Jireh’s care. Let Thanksgiving not just be a holiday, but a lifestyle of trusting and praising God for His provision.
Let’s pray.
