"Xtreme" Faith and Hospitality; 1 Kings 17-19

May the mumbling commence!

Have you ever heard of the “X-Games?”  They are all about “Xtreme” sports.  Today’s Scripture reading contains examples of “Xtreme” faith and hospitality.  Both “Xtreme” faith and hospitality have their source in God.  Let’s first examine “Xtreme” hospitality.  In 1 Kings 17-19, there is a contest between Baal and the Lord.  By the word of the prophet Elijah (the power of DABAR), the Lord stopped rain from falling for years.

The Lord modeled hospitality first.  Elijah went to a brook by the command of God.  There, Elijah had a source of water; and the Lord sent ravens (unclean birds!) to bring Elijah food – bread and meat – in the morning and evening.  Sounds suspiciously like manna and quail!  The Lord provides – then and today.

Sometimes the Lord provided through people.  When the brook dried up because of the drought, the Lord sent Elijah to a widow of Zarephath (that was the hometown of Jezebel – the evil queen of Samaria!).  This foreigner – the widow of Zarephath – showed “Xtreme” hospitality to Elijah.  She was preparing for what she thought would be the last meal for her and her son.  It was at that time when Elijah approached he for the water and bread.  The flour in her cupboard was almost gone!  The oil had almost run dry.

“Xtreme” hospitality requires “Xtreme” faith.  When the widow did as Elijah asked, she found that each time she went to the jar of flour and oil there was always enough for one more meal – for herself, Elijah and her son.  There was NOT suddenly plenty. “Xtreme” faith is revealed day-to-day and step-by-step.  The Lord provided, then, through a foreign widow.  The Lord will provide now through… Who?  You and me?  Are we willing to have the “Xtreme” faith and hospitality of this widow?

This “Xtreme” faith must have inspired Elijah for his contest on Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal.  Elijah showed “Xtreme” faith in this contest.  Elijah taunted the prophets of Baal and Asherah.  They had first chance to demonstrate the power of their gods.  They called upon them from morning till night.

Then Elijah took his turn.  He rebuilt the altar of the Lord.  He prepared the bull.  He had twelve large jars of water dumped on the altar – water that gathered in a trench around the altar.  What a waste of precious water in the time of a drought!  But fire from heaven would come in the form of lightning – a sign of rain!

“Xtreme” faith and hospitality in the Lord is NEVER wasted.  Our God provides for those who trust in Him.  Our God rains – or is it reigns!

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out