Alone...with God

1 Kings 17:1-6

Elijah’s straightforward prophecy to Ahab was that there would be no rain until the people destroyed their idols. The story of Elijah is a vivid illustration that idolatry leads to divine judgment, and that as Christians we must take a strong and courageous stand against this world’s system. In order to protect and further prepare his servant, God calls Elijah to a season of solitude….     

Solitude is the quality or state of being alone or remote from society: it is a chosen seclusion to be alone with God. The time frame may be brief or extended. The Lord says to all of us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). If we are to hear from God, we must periodically come aside, quiet ourselves before Him to hear Him speak. Too many of us think of “quiet time” only as an opportunity to rattling off a list of requests, then rushing off to tackle the business of the day.

Ask the Lord to reveal to you a time and place where you might turn off the cares and worries of the world long enough to listen to Him. Let’s see what we can learn from Elijah’s season of solitude.

LESSON:

God Calls Elijah to Solitude…

1 Kings 17:2-3, And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, [3] Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.

Soon after Elijah delivers God’s message, Ahab, the king of Israel, takes aggressive actions against Elijah. It is in this context that God endeavors to protect and further prepare his servant. This is when “the word of the LORD came unto him (Elijah)” (1 Kings 17:2). God had more he wanted to say to and accomplish in His servant.

A.  GOD SPEAKS SPECIFICALLY TO ELIJAH.

He had provided Elijah with a camping site “by the brook Cherith.” The location could have been one of many places since there were numerous ravines in this general area. God called him to a safe place where He could have the attention of the prophet. Ahab’s men would have a difficult time finding him here.

B.  GOD PROVIDES FOR ELIJAH’S NEEDS.  

1 Kings 17:4, And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.  

God not only provided Elijah with a secluded camp site, but also took care of his basic needs.

     1.  God Provides Cool Water to Drink.  

Since Elijah, too, was a victim of the very drought he had asked God to bring on Israel, God led him to a place where he could drink life-sustaining water from the brook.

     2.  God Provides Food to Eat.

In addition to this natural provision, the Lord supernaturally provided Elijah with food. “I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.” The Lord assures him (v.4).

        A.  Ravens? In God’s sight, the ravens were “unclean” birds (see Lev. 11:13-15; Deut. 14:11-14). Yet He used them to meet Elijah’s needs. In His sovereignty, the Lord can even marshal unclean vessels to accomplish His tasks!

        B.  Elijah? If Elijah began to doubt his worthiness to be involved in such a dramatic plan-which he would certainly be tempted to do-the ravens would remind him regularly that God can use a man who feels fearful, lonely and unequal to the task.  (1Cor. 1:24-31) (Getz)

C.  GOD COMMUNICATES THAT HE IS IN CONTROL!

    1.  No, God Had Not Forsaken Him Just Because Things Were Difficult.

In the midst of his plight, Elijah was learning that God had not forsaken him. Remember that he was a man just like us and, like us, he certainly would have wondered if God had forsaken him. Think for a moment what it would have been like sitting all alone day after day and week after week in a barren desert ravine!

     2. Daily God Was Reassuring Elijah That He Was Still in Control.

      A.  God Was Controlling the Weather.

The prophet Isaiah once wrote that God could "command the clouds" and they would not yield rain (Isa. 5:6). This is what the Lord had done in response to Elijah's prayer.

      B.  God Was Controlling the Ravens.

But God was now working another miracle. There in the wilderness-hiding from Ahab. God was showing His servant He could command the ravens to feed him both morning and evening. Daily, when the sun arose and when it set in the evening, the ravens served as a constant reminder that God was still in control of nature.

D.  GOD TOUCHES ELIJAH’S LIFE DAILY.

    1.  God Could Have Provided Manna.

Why didn't God provide Elijah with manna as He had done for the children of Israel years before as they wandered in the wilderness? Could it be that God was being sensitive to Elijah's loneliness? Rather than leaving him alone in a wilderness setting-surrounded with trees, bushes, and shrubs that were beginning to reflect a look of death-God provided a daily touch with life. How Elijah must have looked forward to seeing those ravens arrive each morning and evening! (Getz, G.)

     2. God Could Have Provided Elijah with Either Bread or Meat. He certainly could have survived on one or the other. But God provided Elijah with both-a balanced diet. God added "something extra" to encourage Elijah.

     3.  Only God Knows, of Course, the Real Reasons He Had for Sending Ravens to Feed Elijah. It seems apparent, however, that He wanted to meet Elijah's needs, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. It's a marvelous reminder that God cares about His children-particularly those who are serving Him in special ways and who need care and encouragement.

It should not surprise us that God was doing something special in Elijah’s life in preparing him for what was yet to come. Beloved, like these other unique servants of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, Elijah needed this unusual preparation.

CONCLUSION:

Beloved, isn't God calling to you for some time alone with Him? That dryness you sense deep within is His summons to come aside unto Him. When you yearn for more grace to heal your scared and neglected relationships it is time alone with God you need. Sometimes we simply feel like we need more 'closeness' with the Lord...we notice a hunger for His grand Presence...Beloved, this is His sweet call to you. Why not say yes to Him now?

Even though Elijah was at times fearful, lonely, and lacking in faith, he consistently delivered God’s message to that generation of Israelites. He led his people to return to the true and living God, and diminished the influence of idolatry in his day. Such extraordinary accomplishments require time alone with God down by the brook Cherith. Feeling inadequate for the ministry before you or the ministry ahead of you is not reason to despair... Find your brook...your Cherith.

We too must commit to the time necessary for reading, prayer, listening and meditation; it also would help to have a place of solitude, where you can meditate and worship uninterrupted. Identify the time or season and put it on your calendar as an appointment. Guard this appointment and explore the wonder of fellowship with the Most High.