Elijah’s time in Zarephath is a season of life lived in the blessing of God’s provision. God’s answer to the prayer of “give us today our daily bread” comes in the form of God quietly topping up the store cupboard essentials of flour and oil in the home of a poor widow. Yet this amazing miracle of daily provision is in the season of a life lived in the shadow of death. So today, join with me as we look at this story emotional story of grief and despair to discover how we can journey through this testing time of Coronavirus Lockdown.

Teaching

This is part 2 of our series on Elijah: Human, just like us.

The talk is also available as audio only.

Reflection

After you have watched Pete’s talk from 1 Kings 17:7-24, you might like to read the passage again, then reflect on these questions on your own, or in your life group.
1
What is God saying to you through this passage?
2
When Jesus was teaching in Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30), he remarks that of all the people struggling with the drought in the region at that time, Elijah is sent to someone outside Israel? Why do you think that was?
3
Zarephath means “crucible” or “place of testing”. Bring to mind a time in your life that was like living in a crucible. Either reflect on this individually, or share it with others.
4
In v15, the widow chooses to take a step of faith to trust in the Lord. Can you describe a time when you had to take a step of faith, and trust in Jesus? What happened next?
5
What thoughts and feelings have you recognised in yourself during this time of coronavirus lockdown?
6
The Book of Psalms contain prayers that are raw, honest laments in times of suffering. Psalm 88 is such a psalm. Do you ever pray like this? How easy do you find it to be open and honest about your feelings when you pray?
7
In what areas of your life do you need to be more open and honest with God? Reflect on these individually, or share if you feel able.
8
What will you do differently this week in response to what God is saying to you through this passage?

Going Deeper

Reflect on Psalm 88, which is a psalm of lament. You might find it helpful to read is slowly a couples of times.

Discipleship and Darkness

A blog entry by Rev Dr Peter Morden reflecting on depression following the death of his wife.

Restoring Hope

A booklet about the emotions of grief, from Cruse Bereavement Care.

God on Mute

A book written by Pete Greig out of his own experience of the miraculous power of prayer alongside the pain of unanswered prayer and the common human struggle to find faith with that paradox.

The Marriage Course

A seven week course from HTB, designed to help couples invest in their relationship and build a strong marriage. Currently available free online in light of the coronavirus.

Enduring Word Bible Commentary

A commentary on 1 Kings 17 written by David Guzik.

Psalm 27

Psalm 27:1, 3, 4, 5, 13, 14 (NIVUK)

The Lord is my light and my salvation –
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life –
of whom shall I be afraid?

Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.

One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.

I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.

Songs of Worship