Reading
SAA Notes
God sends His prophet with a call to repentance before He sends His judgment. His people need to hear His word first and foremost. This prophet has come to call the people back to the faith of Abraham, back to God’s covenant with Israel made through Moses. The drought mirrors the state of God’s people and is His first word to them.
SJA Notes
* Holy God in Heaven, You the LORD send forth from Zion Your mighty scepter, so that you might rule in the midst of Your enemies.
“Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the LORD, ‘O LORD my God, let this child’s life come into him again.'”
Three times!
Elijah stretches himself out on the child three times and cries to the Lord – Please save the boy!
The Lord listens to Elijah. The boy’s life is saved.
It is good to dwell on the “three times” repeated action.
Three times Balaam tries to curse Israel but instead blesses them (Numbers 24).
Three times Jesus goes and prays in the garden (Matthew 26).
Three times Peter denies his Saviour (Matthew 26).
Three times Pilot asks the crowd what Jesus has done to deserve death (Luke 23).
Three times after Jesus defeats death and comes back to life He asks Peter “Do you love me?” (John 21).
God answered Elijah’s prayer, listening to his voice.
We can be encouraged that God does listen!
He loves us so much that he brought us as enemies into His family, rebel sheep brought back into the fold.
Praise God, the Good Shepherd!
* God Almighty, Creator and Sustainer,
Thank You for caring for us, watching over us.
Thank You for breathing new life into us.
Thank You Lord!
Amen.