Day 60 : 1 Kings 17:17-24
Read 1 Kings 17:17-24
Helpful Background Information:
In this section of 1 Kings, we see the prophet Elijah in a dramatic episode. Previously, the Lord commanded Elijah to go to Zarepath; a city that belonged to the Phonecians - an enemy of Israel. Elijah was visiting enemy territory and showing the power of God in an area where the false god Baal was worshipped.
When Elijah was to arrive in Zarepath, God placed a poor widow at the city gate to care for Elijah. When Elijah arrives, he finds the widow gathering sticks to prepare a final meal for herself and her son, as they are about to run out of food due to a drought and famine. Elijah asks her for some water and bread, and despite her dire situation, she obeys. Elijah promises that God will not allow her flour and oil to run out until the famine ends. The widow acts on faith, and her jar of flour and jug of oil remain full throughout the drought.
However, at the beginning of our section, the widow’s son falls ill and dies. The woman fears her sin has brought about her son’s death and wonders if Elijah has been sent to punish her. Perhaps if he had not come, her son would have lived. Elijah also questions whether the Lord has repaid evil for good. Has the boy been spared hunger only to die from disease?
Elijah’s faith amid uncertainty allows God to use him to demonstrate God’s life-giving power, watchfulness, and compassion. Elijah stretches himself on the child and prays deeply. This is the first example in the Bible of revival from death. The important fact is that God raised the boy from the dead. The child was raised because Yahweh heard Elijah’s plea, not because of the prophet’s power. The LORD is God, not Baal, not Elijah.
Reflection Questions:
Compare 1 Kings 17:17-24 with Jesus healing Jarius’ daughter in Mark 5:21-34
What is similar about these two passages?
Note the differences between these two passages. More specifically, how is Jesus greater than Elijah as shown through these examples of healing?
In both stories, there is a period of waiting before the miracle occurs. Reflect on how waiting for God’s timing might have been challenging for the widow and Jairus. How can you trust God during times of waiting in your own life?
How does God raising the widow’s son and Jesus raising Jarius’ daughter impact your confidence in the promise that God will raise us from the dead at the final resurrection?
→ See 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 for more insight