"Making Good Investments" (1 Kings 17)

Introduction

God is moving. God is working to bring about His Kingdom on earth; and God chooses us to be His channels. We can sit back, or we can get involved! We have chosen to be involved. This requires investing deeply in what God is wanting to do within our local community (which often includes moving through some of the boundaries that appear from time to time). This means an outward and onward journey … filled with faith … into the world.

The purpose of the church is both straightforward and profound: it is to fulfil God’s great commission of making disciples from all nations, baptising them, and teaching them how to follow Jesus in daily life. This is the essence of ‘Kingdom living’. The ‘Kingdom of God’ is not just something we talk about or hope for, but something we actually embody … flesh out … together!

Today we’ll look at how this played out in one inspiring narrative from the Old Testament (dated around 875-850 BC). God has always been about fulfilling his covenant with Abraham to form a people of God from all nations on earth. Here in 1 Kings 17, we see all the elements of kingdom living and community engagement: availability, listening, going, God’s provision, connection, confidence, ministry and good outcomes.

Biblical Text

Elijah, as he had pointed out to King Ahab of Israel, was totally committed to Yahweh, the true God, not the pagan gods often sought by kings and commoners alike. And Elijah was listening for God’s voice (verse 8) – he was expecting God to guide his steps – Elijah was alert to this, and therefore was able to be wholly responsive when God spoke. Elijah was also able to follow God’s leading … out of his comfort zone … into unknown territory … to a Gentile woman – in fact, right into the centre of Baal worship (where Elijah’s God was heavily opposed) … and to people who were considered Israel’s enemies.

We might think, in his immediate obedience, that Elijah was just an exceptional person. But we know that Elijah was just a normal human, naturally concerned for his own life, one who needed his space and rest, and one that even had the propensity to get depressed at times. But Elijah just found a way to be God’s person when it counted. He was rightly motivated; for even over in Sidon, there were people who God loved, who may be responsive to an outpouring of God’s grace … if they could just experience this. As such, Elijah had many divine appointments, making good investments in people.

We should note that … as God called Elijah to ‘go’, as he calls all of us, his disciples, to ‘go’, he also prepared the one Elijah was being sent to. God had spoken to this widow in Zarephath in such a way that she would somehow offer Elijah hospitality and an opening for ministry. There would be an open door! God was moving … ahead of Elijah! Elijah may have wondered how ever he would be received, but God assured him that it would be okay. And Elijah simply trusted that God would provide. It would be okay – but NOT necessarily straightforward or easy.

At verse 10 in the story, Elijah must have had some internal conviction that this woman at the town gate, was the one of whom God had spoken. But, how do you make contact or open communication with someone you don’t know? Maybe just ask for a glass of water! And then say, by the way, you’re a bit hungry!! We might go about this differently (in our culture), but the point is … that Elijah summoned all his faith and courage, and was able to begin a conversation with the person God had sent him to.

It seems that the current drought meant that this widow thought she had little to offer. There was a willingness, but a seeming lack of resources. This woman felt led to give hospitality, but hardly had enough for herself and her son. So much so, that she felt this may actually be their last meal (v 12). Elijah needed to find a way of encouraging her, and certainly had in mind what God had said about this widow being able to feed him. So boldly, Elijah suggested that she go ahead and make the meal from the ingredients available, and feed him first … implying that there would be ample as well for her son and herself!

Here we might detect the sort of activity of God that was fully evident when Jesus broke up some meagre supplies of bread and fish and fed five thousand or more! Elijah witnessed to the source of his hope (in verse 14): “For thus says the Lord … the jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail …”. This sounds like the packet of Tim-tams that never runs out (but keeps refilling). Seriously, there was something about the way Elijah acted and spoke that changed this widow’s view of things entirely; for we then read (v 15) that, “She went and did as Elijah said”.

What was it about Elijah … that was so impressive to this woman? Was it the confidence that he had in what God was doing? I think so, yes! And when Elijah had said, “For thus said the Lord the God of Israel” (back in v 14), I think we are meant to read this as an invitation to trust the God that had been personally significant to Elijah and to his people. Elijah was identifying to this woman, in his own way, and relevant to this particular situation – that the God he knew, was the one true God, in whom anyone, anyone at all, could put their faith (and be blessed).

This widow had an encounter with real sincere faith that day. She was somehow impressed by Elijah, followed what he said; and rather than dying tomorrow for lack of food, “she … and her household ate for many days” (v 15b). Something had changed! Everyone around us has questions in their minds to be answered. God provides the answers – but usually through human channels … connecting through points of human (and spiritual) need.

As we read on, we are reminded that nothing works out perfectly for long in a fallen world. We live amongst tragedy and strife. We will do what we can to defeat injustice and oppression, but until Jesus ultimately reigns, we will face all sorts of challenges. As Rhett reminded us last week, it’s how we face these challenges that will count for much. And we have been given all the resources from the Holy Trinity of God through which to conquer any demons. We read that this widow’s son became gravely ill to the point of death (verse 17) – we are probably meant to conclude that the son is already dead.

Having encountered God through Elijah, and the possibility of faith, and seen some of the blessings that were brought to the plate, this woman was now understandably confused and incensed (refer verse 18). She was yet to understand the concept of growing faith through the ups and downs of life. But more than that, she felt that Elijah had only presented her with his God … to make her aware of her sin and unworthiness, and that this would cost her … as her punishment … her son’s life. Not true … lovely lady … not true! Elijah would come to show that this wasn’t the case at all!

Yet, so many people still think that God is out to punish them. Why is that so?! Do we sometimes present a gospel of negativity, rather than a Gospel of hope?! Do we sometimes see more of the bad in people, rather than seeing how God wants to bring forward their value and potential? Yes, the destructive nature of sin needs to be dealt with, but only in the context of a developing relationship with a gracious, merciful and loving God? Faith comes before repentance. And a presentation of a positive gospel of hope is required to elicit faith. That’s why in the “parable of the weeds” (Matt 13:24-30), Jesus says to leave the weeds alone just in case you pluck out a plant by mistake! Jesus didn’t judge the lost, he only condemned the religious hypocrites!!

With Elijah, in verse 20, we ask the question: had Elijah come to this woman on God’s behalf, only to oppress and shame her, and cause the death of her child? No! Definitely not!! Do we want to see people get their just and finish in hell? Surely not! Do we want to judge them into a total rejection of the gospel? No! We want them to receive the love of God, and the serving ministry of Jesus in their lives, and be restored by the Holy Spirit into a fruitful human being. That’s what we’re after! To prove this to be the case, to prove God’s loving and gracious intent … Elijah brought this woman’s son back to full life!!

God is always bringing about opportunities for human interaction … so that there can be conversation, encouragement, expressions of hope through the Gospel message, relationship building and changed outcomes. Two weeks ago, I quoted from Ed Stetzer: “God has made relationships his chosen delivery system for the gospel of hope”. This is what we plainly see in the case of Elijah and this widow from Zarephath. And we remind ourselves that Elijah was called to ‘go’ … no matter the difficulty of the times and the strangeness of the culture.

We are simply to make ourselves continually available to God and others, and then watch the kingdom of God take visible shape … as a result of the offering of our time, touch and testimony. Ed Stetzer again writes: “Once we understand the unmatched value of kingdom living, we’ll want to pursue it with everything we’ve got. Instead of following the pattern of pivoting away from the lost, poor, hurting and needy – insulating ourselves from other people’s struggles, we’ll go where people need us the most”. This involves investing deeply into our neighbourhoods. What better use of our time is there?!

There are many great causes that we can get involved in with the general community; e.g. football/netball club, local Mindat project, local Christmas carol events, nurturing children. We can work together with others through shared values of human dignity, justice, peace, creativity, health and well-being. And we will no doubt have the opportunity of sharing our particular perspective on why these issues are important to us, and Who drives our thinking on such matters (and perhaps be able to happily explore the commonalities and differences in our world-views). We can be sponsors, partners, supporters and co-workers … to great effect.

As I mentioned earlier, Elijah portrayed great confidence in God. We should also portray a confidence in God’s faithful presence with us, how God’s Spirit is transforming our lives, how Jesus is our ‘yard-stick’! This may mean that others come to recognise God’s equivalent availability to them. This does not mean that people will get everything they want, or necessarily have their immediate problem fixed. It DOES mean that God will travel with them, bring some sense to their experience of life, offer (often with friendly assistance) some ways forward – bringing peace, healing and change into various aspects of life, and ultimately a whole new life orientation.

However, being confident in Who we believe in … does NOT mean being arrogant, or superior or prideful or a ‘know-it-all’. In fact, it means just the opposite – to be vulnerable, open, humble and gentle – being ready for relationships of mutual encouragement … this is where true confidence and faith leads. And true character has nothing to prove – it speaks with both conviction and gentleness. We don’t ‘go’ to defend God nor prove ourselves right; we ‘go’ purely on a rescue mission – not to conquer, but to see souls re-connected with God! Imagine a church filled with lots of people … newly investigating the Gospel of hope!

When certain negative perceptions of God are raised, we should have the tools, especially in our personal story, to cast any troubling events in a different light. We know that God is good, because of what we have personally experienced. Did God cause the near death of the widow’s son? Of course not! This was likely to have been because of malnutrition caused by the drought – within a society where there was an unequal distribution of food. Hardly God’s fault … who created a perfect garden, and simply asked us to look after it properly and be good stewards.

Also, some people who have been terribly let down or abused by those they trusted, have allotted blame on God. But surely God did NOT cause this offense. God would actually be weeping with the sufferer. Often what people blame God for, were solely (and regrettably so) the fault of sinful people. Many of us know people and family members who have walked away from church, often blaming God, or generally holding resentment toward God’s people, for what has happened to them. I think that the best approach to them – is to offer a fresh view of faith and a new entry point to the Gospel, based on good things that are happening now (rather than trying to rehash what didn’t ultimately work well for them in previous days).

Conclusion

We should reflect on how the story in 1 Kings 17 concluded. Elijah had connected well with the widowed lady (given the culture and the context). Elijah had been confident in his calling to go, and in the nature of the message he wanted to bring. He had wanted to show that God was available to turn this woman’s life situation around; and when further trouble came, and doubt may have set in, Elijah was able to demonstrate the extraordinary life-giving capacity of God.

That this was thoroughly effective and faith-building for the widow of Zarephath, is seen in her words in verse 24: “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth”. This is how truth becomes established … through confident community relationship-building. We would like to hear more of such responses, as we witness to the truth of the Gospel!

We may not be able to literally multiply the bread and the fish, or bring the dead back to life, but the message of scripture is … that we can make very good investments in the lives of others, such that they come to faith, experience the love of God in their lives on a daily basis, and grow in discipleship. What better use of our time is there?! We do NOT invest this way because we are under obligation, making this an onerous task; but much more so because of the way God is loving us, making this our heartfelt response to a lost world.

"Divine Interruptions & Big Moments" (Luke 18:35-43)

Introduction

1. Previously I have looked at this incident from the blind man’s perspective. Today we’ll look at it from Jesus’ perspective, and also from a Jesus-following perspective. My basic question is … what can we learn, and emulate, from Jesus’ approach here? How do we best respond to the broken-hearted and disoriented people around us?

2. From Our Daily Bread (4 Oct 2017) by David McCasland: Experts agree that a staggering amount of time is consumed each day by interruptions. Whether at work or at home, a phone call or an unexpected visit can easily deflect us from what we feel is our main purpose. Not many of us like disruptions in our daily lives, especially when they cause inconvenience or a change of plans!!!!!!!!!

Biblical Text

Jesus enters the picture at verse 40. Jesus must have heard the commotion around the ‘blind beggar’ yelling out to him, and the attempts to shut the man up. One would imagine that the callousness of those trying to silence this man, was NOT lost on Jesus. Given the oppression of the blindness and resultant poverty, and the ambivalence and uncaring nature of the crowd – you would expect that Jesus would do something about this man’s situation. Yes – Jesus made a very public point about wanting to speak with this ‘blind beggar’!

And Jesus wanted to get up close to this man!! Anyone who thinks that this blindness would have been caused by sin, and therefore thought that Jesus should steer away from this situation – should think again! Anyone who wants to judge Jesus for this – for wanting to spend time with a perceived ‘sinner’ – really needed a reality check!!

Jesus was NOT here to try to save the self-satisfied, but rather any ones who knew their need – anyone who would be prepared to call out (like this man), “Jesus, have mercy on me” (verses 38, 39). Jesus would have noted the emerging faith, hearing himself from afar being referred to as “Son of David”. Jesus could have gone over to him … as we might, but on this occasion Jesus made the stronger point of getting some of the detractors to bring the ‘blind man’ over to Jesus.

We firstly notice the remark that “Jesus stood still” (v 40). This was certainly an interruption, but Jesus stopped short of where he was heading … to engage with this ‘poor blind beggar’. Jesus was actually on his way to Jerusalem for the last time – a pretty important and solemn appointment. This likely then happened in the last two weeks of Jesus’ life on earth. There were many things to attend to. For one thing, Jesus had to go and sort out all the corrupt activity happening around the temple. Not to mention all the thoughts going on in Jesus’ head … about the suffering he no doubt faced. Yet Jesus stopped!

This was an interruption to Jesus … even people in the crowd saw it that way – but Jesus stopped! And, to prove that this wasn’t just an isolated response, Jesus would again stop on this last journey to Jerusalem, to meet with the tax-collecting sinner named Zacchaeus … as well as spending some quality time at Zacchaeus’ house (with his family) … before moving on. And we well remember how previously Jesus invited the children to him, when the disciples had judged this to be an inconvenience. Jesus responded well to casual interruptions, and created out of these … what we might call ‘big moments’.

We should note that Jesus never thought that anyone was beyond the reach of the good news. Not the blind, not those with leprosy, not even the demon-possessed! Jesus even spent time with Pharisees in the vain hope that they might change their minds. Jesus never classified any person as being expendable nor beyond reach. There was NO situation that was beyond transformation and hope! In fact, it seems that Jesus made a b-line for anyone who, though broken, was open to a ministry from him.

Next we notice what Jesus said to the ‘blind man’. I have been really struck by this! “What do you want me to do for you” (verse 41). I’ve spent a fair bit of time reflecting on this approach. This was a real conversation starter. We don’t get the detail of the whole conversation here, just the result; but one can imagine that there could have been quite the conversation between the two of them. Jesus could have simply responded to the man’s cry for mercy, but Jesus wanted to get behind this a little … and find more about what was happening for this man.

It seems this man was able to tell Jesus that it was his blindness that was causing all his troubles – his powerlessness, his inability to get around, the difficulty in looking after himself, and the need to beg by a busy roadside. This had all been deeply humiliating and had badly affected his self-esteem. Yet he had heard about Jesus … someone who could change things entirely … what he heard had led him to develop faith in such an ideal and such a person. It might seem a long shot, but it could actually be possible – if he could just see again, he could re-enter community life, and find his way forward.

We can’t know all the thought processes and conversation that day, but we read how the personal relational style of Jesus … led to this man’s healing and salvation. I’m wanting to draw the conclusion, that a good and creative response to interruptions, can lead to people receiving good things from God … receiving what they really need.

In this man’s case, the outcome was particularly fantastic – regaining his sight, obtaining salvation, the opportunity to start following Jesus, being able to leave his begging post behind and glorify God all the way; not to mention … what … all the people praising God! They might have been obstructive and scoffing before, but they are cheering and worshipping now! Why can’t that happen more?!?

Making Big Moments

We can find many reasons to cross the road, lower our eyes, look too busy, stay at home, close the curtains, eat at our desk, or just ignore entirely the possibilities of that impending interruption! We can easily justify other priorities or pursuits, or shy away from the pressure of feeling constantly on call!! However, the Jesus-following way is different to this!!! We notice here (in our reading), not just what Jesus would do, but actually what Jesus did!

So, we would work on our compassion levels and our wisdom receptors, or basically just ask God to bring more of the fruit of His Spirit to us. What if I said, that many people are exploring faith, or questioning their lives, and just want someone to engage with them about this!?! Challenging?!? What would we say?! We should note that Jesus, following his baptism, walked his whole life in, under, and with the Holy Spirit. We can too!

Jesus, in his human form, demonstrated that we both needed to … and COULD … walk in the Spirit. In this way, we will increasingly know what to say!! Ed Stetzer {in his book: Subversive Kingdom: Living as Agents of Gospel Transformation} suggests that, as we follow Jesus and seek out the hurting, our talents for everyday ministry will … “grow more natural and reflexive the more we invest ourselves in them”. Is that true???

We should realise too, that the greatest work of the Kingdom is often done … in what might seem small ways – just that offer of companionship and that word of encouragement. These are often much more effective than the words from on high. The principle here, is, to have the mindset of being available, and creating space … for the question to be put, “What would you like me to do for you”?

I’m thinking this is a question we should have in the back of our minds as we meet all sorts of people along the way. We mightn’t use those exact words, and really the point is more about what God can do for a person; however we have here the mindset of being open to another person expressing their deepest need, and creating the time and space where this can happen. Do we approach or engage with people with a view to what God wants to do for them?

This is NOT about being super-spiritual and somewhat annoying. This should actually come naturally within our particular personality traits; that is, once we attune ourselves to this idea that God wants to do good stuff for people, and actually use us to be connecting points between them and God. What we may first see … as a time-consuming interruption, may actually be a ‘Divine appointment’ that God had scheduled for that day! Interruptions are often opportunities to serve others in Jesus’ name.

Divine Appointments

This all involves slowing down … so that we might notice people, and they might notice us. This is … slowing down with, and for, others! Or as I heard it put: “corralling that most unruly and unpredictable of spirits – our own”. If we always appear rushed, or often come across as too busy, we are unlikely to be people that will be approached for help. We are NOT good candidates for deep conversation or relationship. Jesus, on the other hand, knew the importance of offering his time and full attention. This can be sacrificial – but most things of great worth are.

And, it is sacrificial (or, inconvenient) service that proves love. We need to be awake and alert to the needs of others. For are they not also made in the image of God, and didn’t Jesus die for their freedom!?! They should NOT have to compete for our time! Might we not see them as our future spiritual brother or sister?!This is a matter of human solidarity – feeling for the situations others find themselves in, imagining the impact if this had happened to us, doing unto others as we would have done for us – something Jesus spoke about and lived out!

When we talk about community engagement, the basis of this … is making opportunities for various relationships to emerge and develop. “God has made relationships his chosen delivery system for the gospel of hope” {Ed Stetzer again}. And, as we talked about last week in terms of the church, being prepared to listen clearly (and deeply) will always be the key to relationships. Jesus didn’t assume what the ‘blind beggar’ in our story wanted or needed, but rather he asked him, and no doubt listened carefully for the answer! In this whole process, we gradually become better listeners, and therefore better helpers.

Many people know they need help, but it is only when we are available, and when we open up a safe space for conversation, that we can find what sort of help a person needs, and some of the story that lies behind this. It is NOT about what we want to give from our particular narrow agenda – sometimes we just HAVE TO check ourselves here! We can’t afford to be pushy, or intrude where we haven’t been invited. We might think we know what another needs, but without listening deeply, and without asking the right questions, we may well be wrong – and tragically wrong!

Jesus was clear in asking for the person’s own perspective, their own feelings – “What would you want me to do for you”? Kyle David Bennett wrote {in: Practices of Love: Spiritual Disciplines for Life in the World} that, “[Jesus] didn’t force his help on others, or force them to accept the kind of help he thought they needed; in a consistently incarnational posture, he [Jesus] met them where they were, and helped them where they were, and with what they needed”.

Such conversations might be a one-off, or there may be a follow-up, or a referral, or an invitation, or the beginnings of a long-term relationship (for mutual good effect). In any case, we need to be, and stay, in the moment with people, rather than mentally or physically moving on to something else (that we may judge to be more important). [If we create this confidence in our genuine interest, then the occasions when we are truly unavailable can be more readily understood, and alternative arrangements easily made.]

We also have to avoid trying for the quick fix. This often only involves putting on band-aids. We have to help people get to the root of their problems, rather than enable them to stay as they are … with a comforting band-aid applied to their sore spot! Ultimately, through the leading of God’s Spirit, we can change the whole course of one of our neighbour’s lives. We can even gain a good reputation, individually and collectively, for being truly interested in people’s well-being.

Conclusion

Actually, slowing down, with, and for, others, may require … first … slowing down with God, i.e. spending more time focussed on, or getting to know, God. As we love God more, we will love people more. If we can give higher priority to prayer, bible study and worship – both personal and corporate, we may find that we just naturally slow down with others (and care for them more). We may call this being less hurried, or more unhurried!

To be the best we can be for others, we need to form a deep-rooted friendship with God ourselves. This is the journey I remain on … and I recommend it to you! It is good to remind ourselves, that our time, energy, resources and talents … all belong to God. And, as we read last week from Hebrews 10, “let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds” (10:24). Which is sort of what I’m doing here!!!!

Each day we should ask … what Divine appointments might God have scheduled for us?! In this way, we are ready for anything! If we ever feel unprepared, or preferring this wouldn’t happen, then we need to talk to God about this, and perhaps explore this with a trusted other. We might need a breakthrough here, because this is holding us back from growing and becoming more of the person God sees us as being.

We can also reflect on what we consider might have been a missed opportunity, and rehearse how it may go better the next time. On other occasions, we may ask ourselves how we went on the encouragement scale, and whether our words and actions were kind and life-giving.

John Wesley wrote the following: Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, and as long as you can. Amen!