Greetings in Christ,
“And Elijah took his mantle and folded it together and struck the waters, and they were divided here and there, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.” 2 Kings 2:8 This verse has always been a sign of faith for me. To think Elijah had enough faith in God to do the things for him on demand has been mind boggling for me. Elijah lived a life so close to God he did not have to think about what he was doing he just trusted God to help him in all situations. Elijah knew God would provide for him just what he needed when he needed it.
The selected scriptures give us situations people had to learn to trust in God for Him to work and provide in their lives. Joshua was trying to get the people of Israel to be faithful to enter and inhabit the new promised land. Paul is speaking to the Thessalonians telling them to hold fast and trust in God’s plan of salvation. Jesus is telling the people they must ask before they will receive and to trust God will provide.
Joshua was trying to get the people to overcome their fear of the people who inhabited the new land. They feared the people for they had better weapons of war. They also had dense forests which needed to be cleared to make room for the large number of Israelites. Joshua is telling them although their enemies have weapons they do not outnumber the people of Israel, and they will be able to overpower their enemies. Then land could be cleared afterwards for the people to inhabit the land. Joshua is trying to get them to have faith in God to provide for their strength and abilities to get the job done.
Paul is writing to the Thessalonians to hold onto their knowledge of the gospel, their traditions, and stand firm in their faith. Even though they might not always see the victory of their Christian walk they must not give up in what they believe. They must give God and Jesus the praise they deserve because God has chosen them to be part of His salvation. Paul was praying God would give them comfort and hope so their hearts would be strengthened.
Matthew records the words of Jesus as He was teaching the people to ask God for the things they need. Jesus is comparing God to a good earthly father who provides for his children. The earthly father would not give a stone in place of a loaf of bread, so why would they think God would treat them badly. God wants to give more good things than the earthly father can ever provide, but they must ask before it will be given.
We must never forget just how mighty our God is. He is the owner of the world and the universe. There is not a single thing we can imagine, observe, or possess which was not God’s to begin with. God has blessed us with His possessions for us to manage here on earth. God can work in ways we cannot see, and deliver right on time the things we need to live a life for Him. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew7:11
Elijah lived a life full of faith in God to provide for his needs. The same God who supplied Elijah’s needs is still the same God Who will provide for our needs. We just need to be faithful and ask.
“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him? Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God, and dost crown him with glory and majesty!” Psalms 8:3-5
“How lovely are Thy dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. The bird also has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house! They are ever praising Thee. Selah.” Psalms 84:1-4
“O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah. Behold our shield, O God, and look upon the face of Thine anointed. For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!” Psalms 84:8-12
Lord may we be blessed by having faith in asking for You to provide our needs. We will give You the praise for all You provide. Amen
Blessings,
Mark Johnson
Psalm 8,24,29,84: Joshua 17:14-18; 2 Thessalonians: Matthew 7:7-14