I Have Commanded the Ravens . .
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of being where God desires and trusting His provision in all circumstances, including solitude and suffering.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of being where God desires us to be, using the example of Elijah who remained faithful whether in solitude or in the presence of others. He reassures that God will provide for our needs, whether through unexpected means like ravens or through the kindness of others, as long as we are obedient to His call. Meyer highlights that God often teaches us profound lessons in solitude and through life's challenges, preparing us for greater tasks ahead. He also reminds us that through death, whether physical or spiritual, we can find a richer, fuller life in Christ. Ultimately, we should not fear the trials that lead us to deeper faith and understanding.
Text
I have commanded the ravens . . .
a widow women . . . there. 1 Kings xvii. 4, 9.
WE must be where God desires. ‑‑ Elijah spoke of himself as always standing before the Lord God of Israel. He deemed himself as much a courtier in the royal palace as Gabriel (Luke i. 19). And he could as distinctly stand before God when hiding beside Cherith, or sheltering in the widow's house at Zarephath, as when he stood erect on Carmel, or listened to the voice of God at Horeb. Wherever you go, and whatever ministry you are called to undertake, glory in this, that you never go to any greater distance from God.
If we are where God wants us to be, He will see to the supply of our need. It is as easy for Him to feed us by the ravens as by the widow woman. As long as God says, Stay here, or there, be sure that He is pledged to provide for you. Though you resemble a lonely sentinel in some distant post of missionary service, God will see to you. The ravens are not less amenable to his command than of old: and out of the stores of widow women He is as able to supply your need as He did Elijah's, at Zarephath.
How often God teaches best in seclusion and solitude! It is by the murmuring brooks of nature that we have our deepest lessons. It is in the homes of the poor that we are fitted for our greatest tasks. It is beside couches where children suffer and die, that we receive those preparations of the heart which avail us when the bugle note summons us to some difficult post.
God leads through death to life. ‑‑ It was needful that the child should die, that sin might be remembered and dealt with; but through Death's portal the trio entered a richer, fuller life. Fear not that gateway!
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of being where God desires
- Elijah's example of standing before God
- God's presence in various circumstances
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II
- God's provision in our designated places
- The role of ravens and widow women in God's plan
- Trusting God's supply in isolation
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III
- Lessons learned in solitude
- Preparation through humble experiences
- The significance of suffering in growth
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IV
- Understanding death as a pathway to life
- The necessity of confronting sin
- Embracing the transition to a fuller life
Key Quotes
“If we are where God wants us to be, He will see to the supply of our need.” — F.B. Meyer
“How often God teaches best in seclusion and solitude!” — F.B. Meyer
“Fear not that gateway!” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Seek to understand where God wants you to be and trust in His provision.
- Embrace solitude as a time for personal growth and preparation.
- Recognize the transformative power of death as a gateway to a fuller life.