Who can begin to fathom the Mind of God?

Isaiah 55:8 states, “For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My Way.”

I do believe that in this time and season help is coming from YAHWEH though very unlikely sources in the form of Ravens!

In the Book of 1 Kings 17 we read where the prophet Elijah prophesied to King Ahab a severe drought in the land of Israel and is instructed by God to hide by the brook of Cherith drink of it — and there Ravens will be sent to feed him that He (God) had “commanded” (1 Kings 17:4).

It’s interesting to note that Ravens were and still are considered unclean animals under Jewish law (Leviticus 11:15).

To expand, Ravens are large, intelligent birds that belong to the genus Corvus, which also includes crows.

Specifically, the common Raven (Corvus corax) is one of the largest members of the crow family and are known for their jet-black plumage, strong beaks, are much larger than crows and have a deeper croaking call.

Birds of prey, ferocious scavengers, dwelling in mountains and forests, and In many cultures and traditions they are associated with bad omens , death and even demonized, and yet they were used by God to sustain the prophet (bread and meat twice a day).

On the upside, Ravens are also highly intelligent animals, capable of using tools, solving puzzles, and demonstrate sophisticated communication methods and are often studied for their cognitive abilities.

When the drought in Israel intensified the Lord sent His prophet to a foreign land , Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-24) Zarephath was a gentile city in the heart of Phoenicia, a region that was known for worshipping Baal, a pagan deity, enemy territory and beyond the logical reasoning of the prophet that was where his next provision would come from , there she would also experience and have an encounter with GOD.

Widows were often viewed as vulnerable and marginalized members of society. Their social and economic status was usually precarious, because they lacked a male provider or protector in a patriarchal culture.

Widows in ancient societies — including Israel and the surrounding regions — were typically poor and dependent on the community or extended family for survival.

Without a husband, they often lacked financial stability and social protection.

Many had no means of earning a livelihood, making them dependent on charity or, in some cases, exploited by others.

In this passage the time at the time., the widow Elijah encountered was so destitute that she was preparing to use her last bit of flour and oil to make a final meal for herself and her son before they would likely die of starvation.

Unbeknownst to her, Obedience and Faith would wrought her a miracle!

There are individuals who may not be aesthetically appealing, not from your geographic ethnicity, they don’t look like you — the proverbial “black sheep” of their family, ostracized and do not meet societal standards, the non Church-going, outcasts, unconventional but crucial to God’s plan, marginalized yet despite their background and socio-economic status, can and will be used as instruments and channels of God’s divine provision.

They will recognize GOD IN YOU — and be obedient to the Command.

 

Shalom
~ Syreeta Thomas

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Syreeta Thomas

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