Preparing for the Lord's Day
Kingdoms in Conflict
In our passage for this week, we continue to learn about Elijah’s time with the Sidonian widow. As you remember from last week the Lord provided unending provision for her and her son as Elijah stayed in their home. However, in this week’s passage tragedy strikes her home; her son grows ill and dies.
Being raised in a Sidonian pagan, this widow would have had a worldview to interpret these events. She would have been taught that Baal was the god of life. The reason that rain came was because Baal rode forth on the clouds and rained down upon the land. His rain would bring fruitfulness to the fields and life to all in the land. Life and abundance was his realm. However, when the seasons changed and the rains ceased it was a sign that Baal had been defeated by his rival Mot. Mot was the lord of death. Baal would be held in the realm of death by Mot. He was not able to escape this fate. Baal must submit to Mot. Nevertheless, when Spring came again it was a sign that a third god, Anat, had traveled to the realm of Mot and rescued Baal and freed him from Mot.
Each god had their appointed role and place of power. One god would rise to prominence but when their time of power came to an end they retreated once again. However, the Lord, the one true God does not have borders. His power is not limited. He is not only the God of life who brings unending provision, he is also Lord over death, who can raise a child who has died.
The Sidonian widow needed to learn to trust the Lord in life and in death. And so too must we not put limits on the power of the Lord. There are no borders. His kingdom is without end and it extends to all areas of life. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon 1 Kings 17:17-24, Job 1:21-22, Isaiah 45:4-7, John 11:1-44, Revelation 1:17-18, and Westminster Confession of Faith 5.1.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” the Acclamation of Praise, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” and the Hymn of Response “Jesus Shall Reign.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: 1 Kings 17:17-24
Title: God without Borders
Outline:
- The Lord has Lordship over Life
a. He is the Lord of Blessings
b. He is the Lord of Hardships
2. The Lord has Lordship over Death