Once the Kerith Ravine had dried up, the Lord directed Elijah to the home of a Gentile woman. If you thought ravens were stingy, consider humans. But, a few verses earlier, the LORD stated that He had told her to feed Elijah. Elijah put her faith to the test when he asked her to feed him first and then cook a supper for herself and her kid from what was left in the jar. If the LORD hadn’t told her to do it, I doubt she would have thought about it. Despite the promise of a miracle, realize that this woman is not Jewish. The prophet before her had spent months camped up in a ravine. Who would give up their last supper for him instead of nourishing their child? But just as the LORD commanded the ravens, He also commanded her.
When she obeyed, she discovered the promise was true. Imagine how surprised she must have been every time she reached in to scrape the bottom of the jars. Only enough for another supper, again and again!
We get the same experience when we abide in Christ. We believe we have scraped the bottom of the mercy and grace jar with a particular brother or sister. We tap into Christ’s life within us and are surprised to find just enough for the current situation. Then another situation arises. The last time we checked, we scraped the bottom and had just enough. This brother or sister has offended us again. How can we possible have the mercy to forgive him? But when we reach into the earthen vessel that contains the riches, what do you know? It is only enough to suit the current situation.
Consider this: If you prioritize compassion, mercy, and grace for those around you, you will always have enough for yourself when you need it. Even when you believe you’ve run out, reach down again and you’ll find it in Christ, the One who lives within you.
1 Kings 17:14-15 14For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.'” 15She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.
