Devotional - June 16, 2004

In John 18, Jesus told Pilate, "I came into this world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." To that Pilate asked the Lord, "What is truth?" (Vs. 38-39)

Listen to ten preachers on television and radio today and you'll no doubt come away with ten opinions as to the meaning of the same verse of Scripture. These days truth is most often perverted in order to comply with someone's rigidly held opinion. It's no wonder that the church's foundation is being shaken to the point it's in danger of collapsing. The truth of which Jesus spoke is constantly compromised.

At a time when every king of both Israel and Judah seemed to be ranked according to the degree of their wickedness, the prophet Elijah came on the scene. After proclaiming a drought on the land, the Lord sent the prophet to the town of Zarephath to be blessed, or receive provision. There he met a widow whom the Lord had providentially arranged to be at the gate when he arrived.

Elijah performed a miracle in the life of that widow that provided enough food and water for both he and the family through the drought. That was a blessing in and of itself, but when the widow's son became ill, the stage was set for the real purpose of the visit. He healed the boy and built up the faith of the widow.

Anyone willing to go when God calls, should learn that with His provision comes opportunities to minister. Remember that God had provided sustenance by way of birds a few days earlier. He didn't need a widow to be the source of provision to Elijah, but he used the need of both people to minister to one another. How? Before Elijah left, the widow knew that Elijah was God's man and who knows but that her confession in verse 24 wasn't exactly what the prophet needed to hear.

Elijah went to Zarephath trusting God, but left with confidence. He was reminded there's no such thing as a normal day or occasion where God won't use anyone who is willing to listen to Him and do what He says.

And you thought today was just another day at the office!

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 1 Ki. 15:25-17:24 Ac. 10:24-28 Ps. 134:1-3 Pr.17:9-11 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society