May 20, 2007
Lesson Overview
Biblical Passage: 1 Kings 17:1–16
Supporting Passage: 1 Kings 16:29–34
Memory Verse: 1 Kings 17:16
Key Question: Will God provide in the midst of difficult circumstances?
Biblical Context: First Kings is set in a time after the death of David, the rule of Solomon, and the division of Israel into two kingdoms. After the division of the nation, the northern kingdom of Israel had no faithful king. Throughout its history Israel’s kings were wicked, and many of them led the people into worshiping other gods. This was the case with Ahab, who did more evil than any of the kings before him. He married Jezebel and worshiped Baal. There were few priests left in Israel, and the ones who were there were corrupt. So God called and appointed prophets to speak to Israel on His behalf. God called the prophet Elijah to speak to the dangerously wicked Ahab and prophesy that there would be a drought in the land. God promised to provide for Elijah as he obeyed God’s instruction to speak. As Elijah was faithful to God, God was faithful and provided for him from some of the most unlikely sources: an unclean raven and a poor, foreign widow. God miraculously provides for those, who like the prophet Elijah, trust Him and remain committed to Him.
Learning Goals:
Understand that God is the provider of all we need.
Begin to value the different and unique ways God may provide for those committed to Him. Biblical Truth: God provides for those who trust Him and remain committed to Him.