Day 163 - Elijah's Journey: Dependence on God (1 Kings 17-20) - Year 2
06/11/24 • 23 min
All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!
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TODAY'S READING:
1 Kings 17:8-24, 1 Kings 18, 1 Kings 19, 1 Kings 20:1-22
WORD OF THE DAY:
Dependence
In the midst of a severe drought, God sends Elijah to a widow in Zarephath. Despite her meager resources—a handful of flour and a little oil—she obeys God's instruction to provide for Elijah. Miraculously, her supplies do not run out. However, her son falls ill and dies, leading her to blame Elijah. Elijah prays earnestly, and God restores the child’s life. The widow’s faith is strengthened, and she declares, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”
In the third year of the drought, God sends Elijah to confront King Ahab. Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to a test on Mount Carmel. The true God will answer by fire. Despite their fervent efforts, Baal's prophets fail. Elijah prays, and God sends fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice. The people proclaim, “The Lord—he is God!” Elijah then slays the false prophets and announces the end of the drought.
Jezebel vows to kill Elijah, causing him to flee in fear. Despite his previous victories, Elijah is overwhelmed and prays for death. He journeys to Mount Sinai, where God reveals Himself not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. God reassures Elijah, instructing him to anoint new leaders and to appoint Elisha as his successor, promising that justice will prevail.
King Ben-Hadad of Aram, allied with 32 kings, attacks Samaria. Despite being vastly outnumbered, King Ahab of Israel receives assurance from a prophet that God has given him the victory. Israel’s small army triumphs, and the Aramean forces flee. A prophet warns Ahab to prepare for another attack, emphasizing ongoing vigilance.
Word of the Day: Dependence
Definition: The state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like; reliance; confidence; trust.
In times of need, God’s provision becomes evident. The widow's flour and oil lasted as promised, and her son was brought back to life. Elijah’s prayer brought fire from heaven, and his announcement ended the drought. True dependence on God involves trusting Him in every circumstance, acting in faith even when resources seem insufficient.
Scriptural Insight:
- Isaiah 53:6: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way."
- Romans 7:15, 18, 24-25: "For I do not do what I want, but do the very thing I hate... Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Dependence on God isn’t just belief; it’s living out that belief, as the widow did by providing for Elijah and as Elijah did by confronting the false prophets.
Elijah’s journey shows a deepening dependence on God. Despite his weariness and fear, he trusted God’s guidance. Ministry and life can be exhausting, but God sustains those who rely on Him. Elijah’s despair led to a deeper revelation of God’s presence and purpose.
Dependence is more than avoiding wrong; it’s about actively doing right. Elijah trusted God’s call, prayed earnestly, and saw miraculous results. Even when feeling defeated, God’s gentle whisper reminded him of His presence and plans.
SOCIALS:
Tricia: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
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DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.
All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!
Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/
TODAY'S READING:
1 Kings 17:8-24, 1 Kings 18, 1 Kings 19, 1 Kings 20:1-22
WORD OF THE DAY:
Dependence
In the midst of a severe drought, God sends Elijah to a widow in Zarephath. Despite her meager resources—a handful of flour and a little oil—she obeys God's instruction to provide for Elijah. Miraculously, her supplies do not run out. However, her son falls ill and dies, leading her to blame Elijah. Elijah prays earnestly, and God restores the child’s life. The widow’s faith is strengthened, and she declares, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”
In the third year of the drought, God sends Elijah to confront King Ahab. Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to a test on Mount Carmel. The true God will answer by fire. Despite their fervent efforts, Baal's prophets fail. Elijah prays, and God sends fire from heaven, consuming the sacrifice. The people proclaim, “The Lord—he is God!” Elijah then slays the false prophets and announces the end of the drought.
Jezebel vows to kill Elijah, causing him to flee in fear. Despite his previous victories, Elijah is overwhelmed and prays for death. He journeys to Mount Sinai, where God reveals Himself not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. God reassures Elijah, instructing him to anoint new leaders and to appoint Elisha as his successor, promising that justice will prevail.
King Ben-Hadad of Aram, allied with 32 kings, attacks Samaria. Despite being vastly outnumbered, King Ahab of Israel receives assurance from a prophet that God has given him the victory. Israel’s small army triumphs, and the Aramean forces flee. A prophet warns Ahab to prepare for another attack, emphasizing ongoing vigilance.
Word of the Day: Dependence
Definition: The state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid, support, or the like; reliance; confidence; trust.
In times of need, God’s provision becomes evident. The widow's flour and oil lasted as promised, and her son was brought back to life. Elijah’s prayer brought fire from heaven, and his announcement ended the drought. True dependence on God involves trusting Him in every circumstance, acting in faith even when resources seem insufficient.
Scriptural Insight:
- Isaiah 53:6: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way."
- Romans 7:15, 18, 24-25: "For I do not do what I want, but do the very thing I hate... Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Dependence on God isn’t just belief; it’s living out that belief, as the widow did by providing for Elijah and as Elijah did by confronting the false prophets.
Elijah’s journey shows a deepening dependence on God. Despite his weariness and fear, he trusted God’s guidance. Ministry and life can be exhausting, but God sustains those who rely on Him. Elijah’s despair led to a deeper revelation of God’s presence and purpose.
Dependence is more than avoiding wrong; it’s about actively doing right. Elijah trusted God’s call, prayed earnestly, and saw miraculous results. Even when feeling defeated, God’s gentle whisper reminded him of His presence and plans.
SOCIALS:
Tricia: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Michelle: Instagram | LinkedIn
Daily Bible Podcast: Instagram | Facebook | Join the Community
DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.
Previous Episode
Day 162 - The Divided Kingdoms (1 Kings 15-17, 2 Chronicles 16-17) - Year 2
All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use are on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!
Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/
TODAY'S READING:
1 Kings 15:16-22, 2 Chronicles 16:1-10, 1 Kings 16, 1 Kings 15:23-24, 2 Chronicles 16:11-14, 2 Chronicles 17, 1 Kings 17:1-7
WORD OF THE DAY:
Responsible
After King Solomon’s death, old tribal loyalties resurfaced, leading to a civil war between the ten northern tribes and the kingdom of Judah. This division marked the beginning of the "Divided Kingdom," a time of constant strife and eventual conquest by outside invaders. As Jesus said, “A house divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25).King Asa of Judah faced invasions from King Baasha of Israel. Baasha blocked access to Judah, prompting Asa to seek help from Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram/Syria, by giving him silver and gold from the Temple of the Lord. Asa did not seek God's counsel, and Hanani the seer rebuked him, predicting ongoing wars for his lack of faith. Asa imprisoned Hanani, revealing his hardened heart.
Hanani’s son, Jehu, also a prophet, confronted King Baasha, declaring God's judgment for leading Israel into sin. Baasha died, and his son Elah briefly ruled before being assassinated by Zimri, a commander. Zimri's short reign ended when the army made Omri king. Omri ruled for 12 years, doing more evil than any before him. His son Ahab continued this legacy, marrying Jezebel and promoting idolatry and wickedness. Asa’s faith waned in his later years, and his son Jehoshaphat succeeded him, committed to following the Lord. Jehoshaphat removed pagan shrines and Asherah poles, and God was with him. Surrounding kingdoms feared the Lord, preventing them from warring against Judah.
Elijah emerged as a powerful spiritual force during Ahab’s reign, declaring a drought as judgment for Israel’s idolatry. Elijah’s name means “Yahweh is my God,” symbolizing his mission to redirect Israel back to God. His prayers caused the drought, as affirmed in James 5:17-18, showcasing the power of righteous prayer.
God instructed Elijah to hide by a brook, where ravens fed him. When the brook dried up, God had further plans, demonstrating His provision and care for those who obey Him.
Scriptural Reminder: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48) Responsibility involves not only avoiding wrong but actively doing right.
Elijah’s prayers brought a drought, showing his alignment with God’s will and his responsibility in Israel’s spiritual direction. Facing a wicked king and calling for drought was dangerous yet necessary. Elijah exemplified true responsibility by responding to God’s call.
God cared for Elijah during the drought, proving that He supports those who faithfully serve Him. As we see with Elijah, responsible actions, especially in prayer, can have profound effects.
Encouragement for Today: “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17) Being responsible is a weighty burden, but God, our ultimate responsible Father, supports us when we seek Him.
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Next Episode
Day 164 - The Influence of Kings (1 Kings 20-22, 2 Chronicles 18:1-8 ) - Year 2
All the info you need to START + the printable schedule + links to the Bible we use is on our website: http://dailybiblepodcast.net!
Join the Daily Bible Pod Coffee Club: https://dailybiblepodcoffeeclub.substack.com/
TODAY'S READING:
- 1 Kings 20:23-43, 1 Kings 21, 1 Kings 22:1-9, 2 Chronicles 18:1-8
WORD OF THE DAY:
Influence
Springtime marked the season for kings to go to war, and this time was no exception. King Ben-Hadad of Aram prepared his army, while Israel, though small in number, was assured victory by God. In one day, Israel killed 100,000 Aramean soldiers. Ben-Hadad, fearing for his life, begged King Ahab for mercy, offering to return some of Israel's land. Ahab agreed, making a treaty with him. However, a prophet warned Ahab that sparing Ben-Hadad would bring about his own death and the downfall of his people. Ahab returned to Samaria angry and sullen.
Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard, but Naboth refused to sell it. Jezebel, Ahab’s wife, took matters into her own hands. She falsely accused Naboth of cursing God and the king, resulting in his death. God sent Elijah to confront Ahab, declaring severe judgment on Ahab and his family for their evil deeds. Despite his wickedness, Ahab humbled himself before God, donning sackcloth and fasting. Because of his humility, God delayed the disaster until after Ahab’s death.
For three years, there was peace between Aram and Israel. King Jehoshaphat of Judah visited King Ahab of Israel, and Ahab proposed an alliance to fight Ramoth Gilead. Jehoshaphat agreed but insisted on seeking God's counsel first. Ahab’s prophets predicted success, but Jehoshaphat asked for a prophet of the Lord. Ahab reluctantly summoned Micaiah, whom he disliked for his unfavorable prophecies. Tomorrow, we will hear what Micaiah has to say.
Word of the Day: Influence
Definition: The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
Ahab was a weak-willed king heavily influenced by his wicked wife, Jezebel. Her influence led to Naboth’s murder and furthered Israel’s sin. Despite his evil actions, Ahab’s humility before God temporarily softened God's judgment.
Scriptural Insight:
- 1 Kings 21:25: "There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife."
- Henry Blackaby: "How you live your life is a testimony of what you believe about God."
Ahab’s story highlights the importance of who we allow to influence us. In today’s world, social media influencers shape our perceptions and behaviors. We must be cautious about who we follow and let God’s Word be our primary guide.
We all have the power to influence others, whether through kindness, encouragement, or our actions. Even small acts of goodness can leave a significant impact on those around us.
Encouragement for Today:
- Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
- Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Let us strive to be a positive influence, reflecting God's love and truth in our daily lives.
SOCIALS:
Tricia: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Michelle: Instagram | LinkedIn
Daily Bible Podcast: Instagram | Facebook | Join the Community
DISCLAIMER: The Daily Bible Podcast, Tricia Goyer, Michelle Hill, and affiliates are not a church, pastor, spiritual authority, or counseling service. Listeners and viewers consume this content on a voluntary basis and assume all responsibility for the resulting consequences and impact.
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