The Fullness of the Spirit
That through these (promises) you may escape the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature. (II Peter 1:4)
After a while, the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land. (1 Kings 17:7)
1 Kings 17:1-7; John 1:16; Acts 11:24, 13:52
What Is God Saying?
The name Elijah means Jehovah is my God. The name is well-suited. He was an instrument in God's hand. Miracles were a matter of course throughout his spectacular life. He was also 'a man of like nature with ourselves’ (Jas. 5:17). God provided even for his physical nourishment in miraculous ways. He ordered the ravens to feed him with bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and there was plenty to drink from the brook. Our key verse concerns how the brook, which had been so abundant, was now ‘dried up because there was no rain in the land.’
How Does This Apply To Us?
This brings us to the spiritual significance of dried-up brooks in our own lives. We have all known times of plenty. We have also had times when there was a real need. Flowing brooks became rivulets and then trickled out. The sun shone on barren rocks. The dancing joy of flowing water was no more. Our lives become deserts instead of gardens. God can send the rain. We must be willing to receive it and share it. Prayer brings rain to the land. Our connectedness to God's word and spirit brings that fullness to our lives.
Pray With Me
With Elijah, Lord, I went at Your command to drink from the brook. In my thirst, I was refreshed. In my discouragement, I was cheered. In my need, I was satisfied. Drinking deeply, my soul revived. It was your chosen place, and my fellowship with the living God was sweet. But, Lord, I have also known what it means to watch the brook die away from great fullness to a small trickle. I seemed to kneel beside a creek bed of hot stones and scorching sands. O God, send the rain of your spirit to my soul. Let it be poured out until the brook is full again. O God, I kneel beside the brook, and even now, it comes to life. The channel that ran dry is filled with life; you never fail to supply it. For this, I am thankful, and by this, I shall live.
In the name of Him who is the joy of loving hearts. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
The fullness of God's spirit is the secret of joy and victory in our lives, and this comes when we wait in quietness and expectation beside the brook. It may seem dry and empty now, but there is rain in the hills and a snowpack in the mountains. We have only to be receptive in our spirits and obedient in our lives. God has enough refreshing grace. Do we have enough faith to submit to His will? ‘God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us’ (Rom. 5:5). That's the cure for the dry stream beds of life.