September 9, 2024
Seek First the Kingdom of God -- Part 1
1 Kings 17:8-9
09/09/2024
8 Then the word of the LORD came to him,
9 ``Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon,
and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow
there to feed you.'' (ESV)
For the past several weeks, the Bible readings we use at
Trinity Lutheran Church reflect God's Word as given through
Moses: ``Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You
shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your might.''[1] The parable of the Good
Samaritan built on a question about this verse, while the account
of the thankful Samaritan leper is a practical application of
this verse.
Our Gospel reading this week included the words of Jesus, a
paraphrase of God's directive given through Moses: ``But seek
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these
things will be added to you.''[2] Our Old Testament lesson this
week is another practical example of the faith which trusts in
God to provide what we need to sustain this body and life. It is
the story of Elijah and a widow who lived in the Phoenician town
of Zarephath. It is the story of the widow's faith and God
providing for her and her household during a great drought.
Then the word of the LORD came to [Elijah], ``Arise, go
to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there.
Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.''
When we pray, ``give us this day our daily bread,'' we do so
knowing that our heavenly Father provides all we need to support
this body and life. Time and again we hear of people who have
lost everything due to fire or flood or storm, get have immediate
comfort and aid. This week's Old Testament lesson is an example
of the Father's love and the faith which trusts in Him.
May our Lord grant us grace to hear and believe His merciful
promises. Amen.
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1. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV)
2. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)