Storytellers: Week 1
Our Storytellers series features several exciting guest preachers focusing on stories, practices, and testimonies of Biblical hospitality. This week, we will hear from Rev. Dr. James Wilkes of Elon First Baptist Church on the widow of Zarephath.
Read 1 Kings 17:7-24.
In verse 9, God tells Elijah to “go and live” in the village of Zarephath. Notice that the instruction is not to visit Zarephath, or even to take a week-long mission trip to Zarephath, but to live there. How does the long-term nature of God’s assignment for Elijah impact how you view what God is calling you to do?
Read verses 12 and 13. In the middle of a famine, Elijah asks the widow to prepare bread for him, and a meal for herself and her son. How would you react if you were in her shoes and asked to do this?
Read verses 14 and 15. Have you experienced the Lord’s provision for you in a time of dryness, doubt, or despair? If so, discuss with your group.
In verses 17 and 18, some time has passed and in her grief over her son’s death, the widow seems to have forgotten God’s provision for her in the past, blaming the loss of her son on Elijah and, by extension, God. Talk about how you have experienced or seen the effects grief can have on our trust in God.
In verse 20, Elijah privately laments to God (and even seems to blame God) over the death of the boy. Discuss the relationship between lament and blame. You may want to think back to our series on Lament and Empathy.
Read verses 21-23. Despite the doubt and despair of the widow and Elijah in this story, God brings new life into a hopeless situation. What does this say about God?
As you reflect on this passage, ask God to show you areas in your life that appear, or have appeared, hopeless. How has God shown up, or how is God showing up, in those areas of your life?
Discuss the following questions Pastor Wilkes raised during his sermon: What challenging thing or task is God asking you to do? What is holding you back from doing it? When will you take the steps towards fulfilling that task?
