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DAY TWO
- Read 1 Kings 17:17-24. In the course of time, what happened to the widow's son?
- What did the distraught widow say to Elijah? (v.18) Why do you think she said this?
- How did Elijah respond to her? (v.19)
The LORD was in the midst of Elijah, the widow, and her son. Throughout the time of their testing, God continued to provide for them. It was in the season of new refreshment that the widow's son became ill and died. Some speculate that in this time of draught and famine some disease afflicted the son and eventually killed him. Elijah was by now very much at home with this widow and her son, and it appears that she had no one else to care for her.
- Describe the process Elijah used by the power of God to bring the boy back to his mother:
Verse 19: Verse 20: Verse 21: Verse 22: Verse 23:
- From verse 24, describe the response this widow had after God proved Himself faithful yet again.
The Zarephath widow saw the hand of God working through Elijah. She demonstrated belief in God when she obeyed Elijah in preparing and serving him with the last bit of her food. (vv.11, 15) Elijah comforted and encouraged this widow. God kept His promise of providing for all three of them during the long dry season. The widow obeyed Elijah, but it was not until her son died that she fully recognized the power of God working through Elijah's life. She said "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth." (v.24) This woman saw the truth of God through Elijah. Hebrews 11:35 says that by faith women received their loved ones back from the dead. This widow is one example of those who received such things by faith. God received the glory then, and He receives the glory today as well.
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
- Only God's power can bring life from death. The woman of Zarephath saw God's power at work in Elijah. How can you demonstrate God's power in your life today so the world may know who He is?
- The only way to see God is through faith in Jesus Christ His Son. Have you received life in Christ through faith in Jesus? Who are you sharing this good news with today?
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