Give It 3

1 Kings 17:10-14

I preached on this story once before, and I remarked that you can tell Elijah is a prophet – a member of the clergy, of sorts – because when he meets a person in need, the first thing he asks for is food. Unfortunately, many members of the clergy are so wrapped up in themselves that they don’t always see the needs of others because they can only see themselves.

But Elijah is not really being selfish. He is challenging the woman to have faith, to act in faith.

What does Elijah request first? How does she respond? What does he next want her to do? Why does Elijah challenge her so? What confidence does he have?

The rest of the story plays out in the rest of the chapter and demonstrates the
promise of God. The woman and her son do not starve to death, and the flour and oil do not run out. Elijah had the confidence in God, and knew God would provide for their needs.

Similarly, people can look at churches and church leaders as money-grubbing institutions. “All they want is my money.” They can view the encouragement to give more as an expression of greed and selfishness.

In fact, however, it is usually just a challenge, a challenge to live out your faith. I believe we are called by God – commanded by God – to give a certain amount of our money, time and talent (see Leviticus 27:30). When I encourage people to step out in faith, I am not asking them to give more than they should, but to increase their giving to where it should be.

The widow of Zarephath took a tremendous leap of faith, giving up the oil and flour she had to share it with a total stranger. In response, God made certain she did not want. She had what she needed.

The same is true of each of us. When we are willing to step out in faith, to give to God our tithe – a daring amount! – God will respond by providing for our every need.

With the widow it was a small bit of flour and a few drops of oil. With us it may be $100 a week, or $200, or something else entirely. It is not the specific sacrifice; it is the attitude, the willingness to give – and therefore trust – in God.

What is the flour and oil in your life, those things you do not want to risk or lose?