God Sends Ravens

Background Scripture: 1 Kings 17
Lesson Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-9, 15-16

Introduction

As Elijah obeyed God’s commands, God took care of him. He was watchful over Elijah while also observant of the ravens, King Ahab, and the rest of his creation. Was Elijah tempted to feel that God’s provisions were substandard or insufficient? Did he balk at being fed by an unclean scavenger fowl? Was he fearful of being found and slain by King Ahab’s men? Did he feel that it was unfair for an evil king to continue in his position of power while he was in isolation and hiding?

Regardless of how Elijah may have felt, God sent the ravens. If Elijah could trust God’s care then, we can trust his care today. It may not come the way we choose, and we might expect it to come sooner than it does, but our feelings do not change how God loves and cares for his children. God invites us to love, trust, and follow Him because He is completely loving, trustworthy, and good.

Key Verse

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Today’s account is the first record of the ministry of Elijah in the Bible. His work was primarily in the northern kingdom of Israel. The kings of the ten tribes set up other false gods so that the people would not go worship in Jerusalem and have their allegiance turned toward the southern kingdom and the lineage of David. King Ahab was a particularly evil king who promoted the worship of Baal. Although we could review the evils of Baal worship, the real travesty is that the hearts of God’s people were turned away from Him toward other gods.

King Ahab not only presented Baal worship to his subjects as an alternative, but he and his queen, Jezebel, also tried to find the prophets of God and put them to death so that the voice of truth would be silenced. Elijah had no delusion that bringing God’s word to Ahab could result in his death.

At different points throughout his life, God showed Elijah that He was with him. God preserved those who worshipped Him in Israel, but Elijah must have wondered many times if he was alone in his convictions as he did what God instructed. From the widow of Zarephath to Obadiah, the king’s governor (1 Kings 18:3-4), down to the seven thousand God spoke of in the cave, there were people who worshipped God and appreciated Elijah’s work.

Being fed by ravens must have been quite a unique experience. Elijah had bread and meat twice a day. It was no doubt miraculous yet possibly a bit revolting. We are not told where the food came from or if it was cooked, raw, spoiled, or fresh. What went through Elijah’s mind? James says that Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are (James 5:17). We do not know how many months it took for the brook to dry up, but we can expect that Elijah had time to experience both thankfulness and a desire for better conditions. Perhaps Elijah felt ashamed when he struggled with a lack of contentment. He must surely have felt God’s nearness and yet at times wondered if God really cared about him. Even though his trust would have been strengthened daily, fear would surely have found the opportunity to return. Let us remember that in God’s presence joy and peace can be found (Ps. 16:11).

Practical Truths for Today

What all is implied by saying, “God sends ravens”? Perhaps a raven sent by God is simply experiencing his touch in solitude or in the order and beauty we observe in nature as we ponder his greatness. Occasionally we observe God blessing our feeble efforts far beyond our abilities. In numerous ways, God reminds us that his mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23). God’s care can simultaneously be in a natural and supernatural way.

Continuing to use this lesson’s story as a metaphor, there are also God-sent ravens which come through human relationships. A warm smile, a kind gesture, a word of encouragement, or a labor of love could all be ravens laden with heavenly provision. Although relationships are a part of normal, daily living, there are words and interactions with others whose timing and nature feel uniquely heaven-sent. These may come from someone with whom we are not well acquainted, someone who had no idea of our need, or perhaps someone who makes no profession of knowing God. “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.” 1

Why does God send ravens? On the face of the question, there was an obvious need in Elijah’s case, so ravens were sent, yet one may recall times of seeking for a touch from God but not being a recipient. Does God send a raven because one is requested? Is one sent as a token of favor or withheld as a rebuke? Are ravens only sent to special people with divine privilege? The psalmist quotes God as saying, “I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine” (Ps. 50:11). We cannot begin to explain the motives of the One who controls the universe, nor should we try. However, it is clear that God desires a relationship with with each soul who is born into this world. We can conclude that, in sending ravens, God is seeking to build a relationship with us.

As humans, we would like to be in control of when and how we are helped, how it comes to us, and to say if the provision is sufficient. We must remember, however, that God knows our need and He can give or withhold according to his will. We should not be frustrated when help does not arrive when or how we had hoped but rather remember to thank God for the assistance He does offer.

The ravens described above can be compared to God’s mercy, which is receiving that which we do not deserve. There are also ravens of God’s grace, which is not receiving that which we deserve. At the cross when Jesus took the sins of the world upon Himself, He opened the door for our forgiveness and having a relationship with God (Ps. 103:10). Jesus’s substitutionary death on the cross is the ultimate example of grace. When we have been hurt, it is natural to feel that the offender does not deserve our forgiveness. However, God’s ravens will minister to us when we relinquish our hold upon the offender. Even though the offender may not accept the offer of forgiveness or make a change, we can still freely receive the blessings of heaven’s peace sent down upon us. When we have committed an offense against someone and humbly acknowledge our failure and receive their forgiveness, we encounter a raven of grace. In these ways, God’s ravens continue to deliver heaven’s provisions to his children.

Questions

1. Is it a sign of ungratefulness if we fail to identify the ravens God sends today?
2. In what ways do we try to control how we are helped?
3. How can one continue to trust when no assistance appears as expected?
4. Discuss the connection between hospitality and ravens (Heb. 13:2).
5. God sent ravens to Elijah instead of deposing King Ahab. Does God work in a similar way today?
6. 1 William Cowper (1731-1800), “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” Christian Hymnal

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).