The Scripture for today is 1 Kings 17:7-16
7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to him: 9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”
12 “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”
13 Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. 14 For 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 sends rain on the land.’”
15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. 16 For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.
When I read the passage in 1 Kings 17, I found myself drawn to the final verse – “For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah. Seeking deeper insight into why this verse resonated with me, I thought of a bible study tool that I sometimes use; studying the names of God and how they reveal his character. A trip to the bible.org website and a quick prayer for discernment led me to the name that I was seeking – Adonai. An article on bible.org states “Like Elohim, this too is a plural of majesty. The singular form means “master, owner.” Stresses man’s relationship to God as his master, authority, and provider.” Seeking to delve a bit more into the importance of studying the names of God, I came across this quote in the article, “But in Scripture, the names of God are like miniature portraits and promises.” What a blessing! I can know more of God’s CHARACTER through the study of his names. I can know more of God’s PROMISES through the study of his names. My Father in Heaven, revealing himself to ME through his Word.
How comforting and reassuring this name of God is to me. Adonai, a miniature portrait and promise of our God, a God who is master, authority and provider. Elijah’s obedience to God as master and authority sent him to Zarephath where he found the widow as God had promised. Through the widow’s jar of flour and jug of oil, God richly provided for Elijah, the widow and her family. God used a humble woman to provide for Elijah during a time of preparation for the incredible work that God would do through him. God used this same humble woman’s story to teach us, his children, that he is OUR MASTER, AUTHORITY and PROVIDER. How is God revealing himself as your Adonai? Have you ever studied the names of God and meditated on what God is revealing of himself and his promises through this name?
Adonai, I submit to you as my master and authority. You are truly LORD of my life. I thank you for your incredible provision for me through your WORD and your SON. I thank you for your loving kindness to me and those I love. You have blessed me beyond measure, not because of anything that I have done but because you are a loving and gracious FATHER. Teach me to live each day, Adonai, in submission and gratitude. Amen
Kelly