1 Kings 17:8-16
The Background
This is one of those fascinating stories from the Old Testament. We get a piece of the whole story in this passage. I’ll give you the bigger picture here, but I encourage you to read all of chapters 17 & 18 in your bible. Ahab was the Jewish king of the Northern Kingdom named Israel. (The southern kingdom was named Judah.) He was more interested in politics and business deals than he was governing his people in a godlike fashion. To promote relationships with neighboring countries, he married a Phoenecian princess named Jezebel. She was a devout worshipper of the Canaanite god Baal. Ahab didn’t care what she did, so that religion flourished under his rule. Many Jews were attracted to this pagan fertility cult. God called on the prophet Elijah to speak His word to Ahab and the people. In 17:1, we read that Elijah has the power to start and stop the rain. In the Baal cult, the god Baal’s primary responsibility was to do just that. Elijah and God create a three year drought. The story has a dramatic ending in chapter 18, starting with the 17th verse. Our story occurs some time before that. God tells Elijah to go to Zarephath, which is in the heart of Canaan country.
The Detail
- Elijah goes to Zarephath, and meets the widow at the city gate. (vv. 8-10)
- He gives her some orders. She explains her dire situation. (vv. 11-12)
- He tells her not to worry, but to bake him something to eat, even though she has very little; the Lord will provide. Note that he says “Thus says the Lord God of Israel”. This indicates that he is a prophet. Now he has her attention! (vv. 13-14)
- The widow obeyed. Just as the prophet stated, her provisions lasted throughout the drought. (vv. 15-16)
The Takeaway
On this Election Day, it is important for us to focus on the selection of our country’s leadership. We need leaders who look out for the needs of the people, rather than for commerce. It is equally important for us to put our trust in the Lord, and not be distracted by other “gods”.
Hebrews 9:24-28
The Background
As we’ve already studied, this book was written to explain who Jesus was, with regards to the Jewish faith. This was very important then, since most early Christians were ethnic Jews. Most of these concepts we’ve already been discussed. We will complete our study of the book of Hebrews next week. At that time, we’ll do a thorough review. Today, we’ll focus on a few key points.
The Detail
- The author is referring to the actions of Jesus as our High Priest. A High Priest enters the Holy of Holies in the temple once a year for the atonement of our sins. This is an annual event. Here, the author states that the temple is a “mere copy” of the true temple, the one in heaven. (v. 24)
- The difference between Jesus and the High Priests before him is that he doesn’t need to do this year after year; he does it once for all. (vv. 25-26)
- Just as Jesus died only once, so we will also die once. Jesus will return to deal with sin for those who eagerly await his return. (vv. 27-28)
The Takeaway
The key verse here is in the middle of verse 26—Jesus died only once for all. His sacrifice covers all of our sins for all time.
Mark 12:38-44
The Background
In this story, we find Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem. First, he teaches us to beware of the way we walk our walk of faith. Then, he watches people drop their offerings into the till. Something surprising happens. Are these stories related? Let’s see.
The Detail
- He teaches his followers to beware of acting like the scribes. This is radical, since the scribes are highly revered holy men. But he explains why. They look awesome, but their actions do not hold true to the teachings of the faith they profess. (vv. 38-40)
- So, he sits down, and watches people give their alms to the temple, many rich. There was one poor widow, who gave practically nothing. (vv. 41-42)
- Jesus calls a meeting. He states that the widow who gave a penny gave more that all the others, because it was all that she had. (vv. 43-44)
The Takeaway
Were these two stories separate, or related to one another? Does Jesus want to poor to give every last cent?
I suggest that the second story is directly related to the first. It is pointing the finger at the rich, rather than squeezing every last penny out of the poor. It is against showy, extravagant living, acting holy on the outside, but being inwardly selfish and ungodlike in the inside.
Let’s make sure that our actions, and our giving, represent what we profess with our lips.