August 15 Faith Rewarded

1 Kings 17:14-16 For thus says the Lord the God of Israel, 'The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.'" 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.

SALVATION came to the widow's household - to her son, to her guest Elijah and to herself. God had chosen this woman, and stirred faith in her heart, that she would be his instrument of salvation for these three favored ones. Instead of seeing her limited circumstances as an excuse to reject Elijah's requests for a cup of water and a morsel of bread, the widow had listened to his words. Through her faith in the Lord's power, life came to her household as, "The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth." From that day on, this household will always have what they need. In his grace, the Lord delivered that day their "daily bread". (Matthew 6:11)

           What a glorious demonstration this is of God's eternal salvation over his favored ones today. He has come to the world through Jesus, the eternal Prophet. Jesus to proclaim "the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:19). This is the promise of salvation by grace through faith alone. The favor of God's salvation is upon the world. Jesus taught -"I tell you the truth." (especially noted in Matthew.) as he delivered to the world God's salvation favor. For those who listen and obey Jesus' truths, they will never hunger and thirst again. Hear these gracious salvation promises:

           Feast with God: Psalms 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

           Drink of Jesus: John 7:37-38 "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'"   

           Eat of Jesus: John 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.  

           The world must know. And how will they know? See how God prepared Elijah to speak the Lord's Word. Notice he also prepared the widow to hear and respond to God's favor. This is the pattern of salvation in the Kingdom of God. As "prophesy" means to teach, be a prophet of God. Teach others of the eternal drink and everlasting food. Tell the world: "Jesus is the Living Water. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Believe in him and be saved. Feast with him forever." Yes, prophesy, and feed God's own with his great favor of salvation.

Prayer: Lord God, may I be generous with your Living Water and Bread of Life. In Jesus' name, amen.