"How long will you hesitate?"

The interaction between the government employee, Obediah, and Elijah in chapter 18 of the first book of Kings lets us in on a conversation that challenges Obediah to trust the God whom he 'feared greatly.' He was doing just fine. He was a good person; he was a trusted employee; he was faithful.  Now, suddenly someone comes along gets in his face and challenges him (vs.8). How did he react to this?  Certainly, this challenge was not what Mr. O had in mind.  How long would he hesitate?

The interaction between the people of Israel living in the waterless Samaria and Elijah (vs.21) shows us one who followed God's direction getting in the face of those who were hesitant, hesitant to change direction, reluctant to believe in the one and only true God.  "How long will you hesitate between two opinions?"  First Obediah is confronted, now there is a confrontation with Israel and those who teach something other than what Elijah believes is truth.  Fear gript Obediah. Indifference seems to be the reaction of the people.

Many of us hesitate in making a decision about which way to turn, about where to put our trust, about who to listen to. Does the fascinating picture of Obediah, then Israel, in front of Elijah in this book of Kings say something to you and me?  Is this the time to change direction, to step up, to trust in the one true God?  Proverbs 3:5&6 tells me to not trust my own understanding, to trust in the Lord with all my heart. It tells me to seek God at every turn, to change the selfish, windy (like curvy) self directed road I am headed down.  Jeremiah writes, in Jer.6:16 about asking God which way to go, to trust that He knows the best way for me to turn, the best path to walk down.  Jeremiah even says to not hesitate, that is to follow His leading, to step out, to "walk in it."

How long will I hesitate?

"Now, I know"

Assurance.  Full confidence, surety, certainty, free from doubt.  Paul writes about assurance in his letter to the Romans (chapter 11); "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

The brook supplying water to Elijah had dried up, 1Kings 17:7.  It was time to move on.  With assurance that God would provide, Elijah goes to find the widow that God has commanded will provide for him.  One problem; this widow has basically nothing to share.  There has been no rain, so no grain to make flour and only drops of oil remaining.  Why in the world would God send Elijah here?  Why would He?  As the story progresses the Sidonian woman, although having been cared for, expresses doubts about why.  Even Elijah wonders as he wrestles with the situation upstairs, away from everything.

The remainder of 1Kings 17 from the 7th verse on is where we spent our time together this Tuesday evening.  Reading that the Lord increased the flour in her bowl and the oil in her jar, we came to understand that God provides when first we put our trust in Him, Matt. 6:33.  What struck me the most in this situation?  It was this moment when the widow says "Now, I know"!  Seeing the one that was so dear to her come down the stairs and being returned into her arms alive, this happy mom exclaims, " Now I know that you (Elijah) are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is truth."

Are you sure?  Are you free from doubt?  Can you say "Now, I know the word of the Lord is Truth"?  If this cannot be said, as it couldn't be said by the widow previously, be encouraged through this chapter in 1Kings.  Proverbs 3:5-6 is a passages in Scripture that assures me that as I seek to understand His Word and take steps to trust Him, God directs my way and gives me this full confidence.

"before whom I stand"

Suddenly (it appears)-Elijah is standing before the king over Israel, Ahab, declaring that in fact he is standing before the Lord, the living God of Israel.  What was he thinking?  This was the king, the one who "did more to provoke the God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him," 1Kings 16:33.  Then, Elijah tells Ahab that there will be no more rain until he says so!  Far out! Rather presumptuous (it seems).

As we opened our Bibles and started reading the first verse of chapter 17 in 1 Kings, this interaction between Elijah and Ahab was seen as familiar to some.  But, had it been previously understood or clearly seen in its context?   How could Elijah be so bold and sure of himself?  Was he completely removed from reality; I mean really, who can control the rain?  Deut. 28:1-2 and verse 12 helps us see the reasons for all this.  What had Ahab done to bring about this sudden change in the weather?  Reading 1Kings 16:29-33 in light of what God spoke to the Israelites at the foot of Mt. Sinai, recorded in the first 6 verses of Exodus 20, gives us answers.

What follows in verses 2-6 gives us insight into who was giving Elijah direction, whom he depended on and trusts.  Should this prompt me to ask, "Does my life reflect that I completely put my trust in the Lord, the living God?"  1 Kings 17:1 prompts me to ask;
"Before whom do I stand?"