The Voice of Stern Rebuke

The Voice of Stern Rebuke

Prophets and Kings, Chapter 10.

"Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee" (1 Kings 17:9 - KJV).

Elijah had been miraculously fed for many months by the Brook Cherith, but now the brook had run dry. The widow whom God had designated to care for His prophet was not an Israelite, but she was a believer in the true God and walked in all the light shining on her pathway. Amazingly, Elijah could not find safety in Israel but had to find refuge in a foreign country.
The widespread famine had affected the widow, as well, and when Elijah arrived, he discovered how little food she had. In fact, the remaining oil and meal would make only one final meal for her and her son. After that, starvation seemed to be their only prospect. So, Elijah's request for a little food was a true test of her faith. And what a reward she received in response to her remarkable faith! Her barrel of meal and her jar of oil did not fail until the familne ended and the rains returned.
Three years had gone by since Elijah had stood before Ahab and announced God's judgments against Israel. now, when the prophet and the king again came face to face, Ahab's first question was, "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?" (1 Kings 18:17). How typical for the wrongdoer to hold God's messenger for the consequences of his own departure from righteousness!
But Elijah turned the question back on Ahab and requested that he gather 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets that ate at Jezebel's table for a meeting on Mount Carmel.

Key Thought: "Today there is need of the voice of stern rebuke; for grievous sins have separated the people from God. Infidelity is fast becoming fashionable.... The smooth sermons so often preached make no lasting impression; the trumpet does not give a certain sound. Men are not cut to the heart by the plain, sharp truths of God's word" (Prophets and Kings, p. 140).

Today's Lesson: In times of crisis, God is looking for those who are prepared to take an unambiguous stand for the right regardless of consequences.
Love Makes a Way: Walking with Jesus from Eden to Eternity, Herbert Edger Douglass