When The Heaven Is Shut | Rev Dr S.O. James

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Text: 1 King 17

INTRODUCTION

We are at a time of shutdown and lockdown. The situation is very difficult and many people are passing through hard times. Both citizens and leaders are all affected. We all need divine help at such a time like this. We shall look at the story and experience of Elijah at the time the heaven was shut down for over three years.

1. WHEN THE HEAVEN IS SHUT

• WALK IN DIVINE DIRECTIVE –vs. 2-3
• God instructed Elijah … “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan,”
• God asked Elijah to go for isolation; all activities ceased and he was literarily locked down at Kerith Ravine
• Beloved, leave your busy schedule, shut everything down.
• Elijah was conditioned to leave an unusual life in an unusual place. Many of us find ourselves leaving usual life in this time of lockdown.
• God is always ready to speak to us and guide his people in a time of challenges
• 3:5-7

1. WHEN THE HEAVEN IS SHUT

• YOU CAN ENJOY DIVINE PROVISION –vs 2-6
• WHEN THE HEAVEN IS SHUT
• YOU CAN RECEIVE HUMAN SUPPORT
• When the brook dried up God sent Elijah to go and meet the widow of Zarephath.
• The widow did not have much; she has just “only a handful of flour in a jay and a little oil in a jug” (vs. 17).
• Though, what she has was not even enough for her and her son she was ready to share it with the prophet!

NOTE: Beloved, you may not have enough at such a time like this but don’t hoard what you have. And don’t eat it alone. Share what you have with others. This is the path to unceasing divine provision in time like this (vs. 13-15).

WHEN THE HEAVEN IS SHUT

• THERE IS HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS –vs. 8-16
• There is help for the vulnerable
• Whenever the heaven is shut the widows, the poor, the orphans are the most vulnerable
• This was the situation with the widow of Zarephath. She was at the point of preparing what she considered her last meal for herself and her son when Elijah arrived with the divine message (vs. 12).
• She said, “I am just gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son that we may eat it – and die!”

Are you also already preparing what you consider your last meal? Do you think the end has come and there is no way for you to survive the lockdown? God will locate you and provide for your needs.

WHEN THE HEAVEN IS SHUT

• WE MUST RETURN TO THE LORD – 1king 18
• Elijah summoned the people and the prophets of Baal and asked them “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (1 King 18:21).
• Are you on the Lord’s side at such a time like this?
• Are you serving the Lord?

1. WHEN THE HEAVEN IS SHUT

• WE CAN EXPERIENCE DIVING OUTPOURING THROUGH PRAYER OF FAITH – 1king 18:41-46
• Elijah stood on the gap with intercession and called upon God –vs. 42.
• He remained steadfast in prayer and prayed until something happened. He prayed and sent his servant out seven times to look at the sky and did not stop praying until there was a positive feedback – vs. 43,44.
• This is the time for Operation Push: Pray until something happen
• Elijah was a man of like passion – James 5:17-18
• The earnest and fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much – James 5:16

CONCLUSION: Beloved, in a matter of time, there shall be showers of blessing!