1 Kings 17:14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’
“The Widow’s Jar and Jug”
In ancient times, two-handled ceramic jugs with a narrow neck were used for storing oil. The narrow neck limited the exposure to air and clay lids sealed the jars to preserve freshness. Large earthen jars with clay lids were used for storing grains, legumes and flour. These heavy vessels protected the contents from moisture and moths. These ceramic jugs and jars were everyday essentials and were the most common storage containers of the ancient world.
There was a severe famine in Israel and the Lord directed Elijah to a town outside Israel, to a widow, in a town called Zarephath. This town was a Phoenician coastal town, present day Lebanon. There was no rain, no crops, no grains, no water and no food but Elijah directed the widow to make a small loaf of bread for him with the little flour and few teaspoons of oil that was left in her pantry. He gave her a promise that the jar of flour will restock and the jug of oil will replenish until the famine comes to an end. She went away and did as Elijah had told her (vs 15a). The widow’s obedience opened the flood gates of heaven with supernatural provision during the entirety of the famine. The faithful-obedience of the widow to Elijah as she scrapped the little flour and drained the last drops of oil to prepare the bread was the catalyst of divine multiplication. Obedience is the key to supernatural increase!
“Obedience makes the empty clay jars and jugs supernaturally multiply”.
The Widow’s Jug and Jar:
- Faith: Faith is an action Word. It is not abstract but concrete. The widow’s faith in action unbolted the provision of heaven. Faithfulness in our giving, tithing and serving even in the famine/recession will unleash supernatural provision.
- Flood: Flour will fill the jars and oil will overflow in the jugs for God’s faithful servants in recession.
- Favour: Obedience unlocks supernatural favour.
“Obedience floods our jars and jugs with unmerited favour”.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the Divine Provider at all times, help my faith to be in action during tough times. Amen.
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