1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146, and Hebrews 9:24-28
As the economy becomes more difficult, there is a society where selfless service comes alive in people’s hearts. It is very healthy and its members make the world beautiful. On the other hand, we have seen many cases in which a country, just because it is wealthy, is not good at helping countries in need. Nevertheless, we Christians live before God every day as called stewards in the world. For the world and for the kingdom of God.
Today I want to look at three types of people of God. First, let’s look at people who obey in faith and serve others. Today’s Word from 1 Kings shows what God wants from us. God gives Elijah a command: God commands Elijah, “9 “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there.” Sidon is located on the Mediterranean coast in present-day Lebanon. In the past, it was a city-state ruled by Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, the father of Jezebel, queen of Northern Israel at the time. Because of its mild climate and proximity to the sea, commerce and economy were active. In this wealthy region, idolatry was more active than God. And in contrast, there is a very poor woman.
Elijah goes to Zarephath according to the word of God and meets a widow. He asks the woman for food as God commanded. He orders a piece of bread and water from the woman by believing the word of God. But what is the situation of this woman? She has only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug in her house. So she had these thoughts before meeting Elijah. “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.” The woman’s financial situation is very poor. To make matters worse, there is a drought going on. It is difficult for many people to donate more than 20% of their income, but now this woman takes Elijah’s word and serves her guests with everything she has. Sometimes my $20 isn’t a lot of money to me, but sometimes it means everything to someone else. Likewise, this woman went all in today. And ever since, God has blessed through Elijah. So Elijah and this woman do not lack food to eat. The jar of flour and the jug of oil were enough for the house.
I can meditate on God’s blessing and protection through this episode. When the northern kingdom of Israel was going astray, God warned King Ahab and Queen Jezebel through the prophet Elijah. He even warned them of a drought. When many people, including the king, threatened Elijah, God hid Elijah in a place that no one could imagine. Just as Elijah, who was most wary of idolatry, was sent to the region of Sidon where idolatry was most prevalent. When he had no food and was having a hard time, God comforted him through a crow.He also allowed the woman of Zarephath to treat him to a precious meal. And God blessed him so that he would not experience any inconvenience while he was there. And even during this drought of God’s care and wrath toward idolaters, God does not forget His mercy. So, God remembered this woman who was suffering from a drought and took care of her through Elijah so that her household had plenty to eat. Amazing grace and care. And it began with obedience of faith.
Even when there is no hope in our lives, even when it is filled with only pain and despair, I urge you to risk everything you have and come before God. And above all, when you seek God’s things first, God sees your faith and turns despair into hope. Just as Elijah and the woman had God’s grace to help each other and survive together, I believe that God will use and bless us today.
The second type is the one who puts his hope in Jehovah God. The psalmist writes that they are blessed. The Psalms reveal to us the blessings and graces that those who are used by God receive. Those who praise Jehovah God and rely on Him are blessed. Those who always seek Jehovah God for help are blessed. He gives us freedom. He loves the righteous and considers the situation of those in need. The righteous God sometimes judges and gives food to those who are hungry and thirsty. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.(9) The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. (10)
A life governed by God is very peaceful. Our leaders are vital. Just as there were elections in the United States, the lives of people in each country around the world are greatly affected by the capabilities and roles of their leaders. Although humans are lacking and imperfect, God is faithful and perfect. May you find peace in His reign over your life.
The third type is someone who reminds us of Jesus Christ. These people bring God’s blessings through personal devotion and sacrifice. When we read Hebrews chapter 9, we can be assured of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our sins have been forgiven and new opportunities have been given to us. When I meditate on the sufferings of Jesus Christ, I feel very sorry and at the same time, I feel deep gratitude.
I also thought about the blessings brought about by the selfless sacrifice of Canadian soldiers on Remembrance Sunday. During the Korean War, Canada, a participating country, dispatched a total of 26,791 troops from July 30, 1950 to the ceasefire of the Korean War in 1953. Among the 16 countries that participated in the Korean War under the UN flag, it sent the third largest number of troops after the United States and Britain. Canada quickly dispatched a large army, and even after the armistice, it sent approximately 7,000 additional troops until 1955. During the Korean War, 500 Canadian soldiers were killed and 1,200 wounded while fighting against the Chinese army.
When I think of the Canadian church that helped Korea achieve independence and the 500 young Canadian soldiers who died for democracy, I confess that the Republic of Korea exists today because of their sacrifice and dedication. I express my deep gratitude and at the same time tell you that through their noble dedication, the gospel took root in Korea and I came here too. When I look at them, I meditate on the sacrifice and dedication of Jesus Christ. Thank you. And today, I hope that we too, like them, live as people who remind others of Christ. God bless you.