Gods Sabbath

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E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

Eventually the rivulet dried up. God had foreseen this devel opment and had His solution ready. The prophet was directed to the widow of Zarephath (also called Sarepta), where he was to remain until the time came for the showdown with Ahab and the wicked priesthood (see 1Kings 17:9). The widow was another of God’s faithful workers. She had a specific role to play in His plan, and she carried it out with the same exactitude, submission, dedication, faith and courage as that manifested by Elijah. They were a reliable team. (The sto ry is recorded in 1Kings 17:8–16). It is encouraging to notice that while they were doing precise ly what the Lord directed them to do, He was able to provide ful ly for their needs. The Lord always works in this way when these conditions are fulfilled. The only matters that should con cern the trusting Christian are: What has God assigned for me to do at this moment? and How does He want me to fulfill my as signment? If we devote ourselves to carrying out God’s specific orders exactly when and how He has commanded, all the neces sary facilities will be provided. While Elijah patiently waited in the widow’s home, the heav enly Plan Maker was carefully supervising developments. When the appointed time came, fresh instructions were delivered to His servant Elijah, who accordingly presented himself before the king with the command to gather Israel together on Mt. Carmel. “Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jez ebel’s table.” 1Kings 18:19. In this way the stage was set for a confrontation between the God of the fearless prophet and all the servers of Baal, in full view of the people of Israel. Throughout the long day, Elijah followed God’s specific orders to the letter, giving the priests of Baal full opportunity to mani fest their power. When their prayers for fire failed, the prophet of God solemnly re-erected the sacred altar upon which, in re The Confrontation on Mount Carmel