Religion & Spirituality
Kingdoms in Conflict This week’s passage is about the Lord’s provision during times of hardship. In response to Ahab’s apostasy, the Lord sends a drought upon Israel. This drought was designed for two purposes. The first was discipline for false worship. The second was grace to teach Israel that the Lord alone provides. Baal was the Canaanite god of rain. In their worship of Baal, the people of Israel believed they were securing the blessing of rain for their crops and abundance for their families. However, in withholding rain, the Lord shows that he alone controls the weather. He also displays his power to provide for all the needs of his prophet Elijah. It was during the drought that Elijah was taught to trust the Lord’s grace to give to him all that he needed for life. The Lord’s providence will also bring us to times of hardship and deprivation. Christians will suffer along with the rest of the world. Christians still must deal with pandemics, economic crisis, injustice, natural disasters, and war. However, all those who trust in the Lord will experience provision for life and through Christ's life everlasting. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon 1 Kings 17:1-16, Psalm 34:10, Habakkuk 3:17-18, Matthew 6:11, Luke 6:21, John 6:35, and Westminster Confession of Faith 5.5.