COURAGE FOR TODAY’S CULTURE
Living And Leading With Spiritual Courage-Part 3
July 14, 2024
Pastor Daven Hee and Pastor Shayne Tauaefa
Innovative Concepts Mission:
Reaching and redeeming the Unchurched, Making Disciples,
and Multiplying Leaders who establish vibrant churches,
bringing hope and renewal to every community we serve,
to further the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
INTRO
Last week we learned we all need training in our relationship
with God and how to live out our faith on a daily basis.
It takes time, patience, and obedience to develop
a life of blessings and miracles like Elijah had lived and experienced.
Elijah was still being developed and trained to become
the man of God he was destined to be.
But he had to begin in Cherith. A place of isolation and solitude.
Often in the Old Testament the original names of places
carry symbolic meanings.
This is certainly the case with this Hebrew term “Cherith.”
Although today no one can identify the location of that brook,
we do know that it derived its name from the original verb Cha-rath,
which means “to cut off, to cut down.”
The word is used both ways in the Old Testament:
as in being cut off from others or from the blessings
of a covenant; and also of being cut down,
as one might cut down tall timber.
Thus, while at Cherith, the man who had been
a spokesman for God as he stood before Ahab
would be “cut off” from all involvement and activities
that might prove stimulating to him.
[electronic devices, social media, work, pleasure, adrenaline activities]
At the same time, Elijah would be “cut down” to size
as his Lord used that uncomfortable situation to force him
to trust God for each day’s needs.
This is where God sends Elijah on a long journey to Zarephath
with no water, no food, no phone, no one to text or talk to.
OPENING QUESTIONS
Share a situation where you felt isolated and alone.
Was it a long time or a short time?
How did you get through it ?
PRINCIPLE [Scripture, Values]
“Then the Lord said to Elijah,
“Go and live in the village of Zarephath,
near the city of Sidon.
I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”
So he went to Zarephath. —1 Kings 17:8-10 NLT
GOD SENDS US AWAY TO UNCOMFORTABLE PLACES
TO BE TRAINED AND DEVELOPED
Today Zarephath is modern day Lebanon.
In the United States, a city that might come close to Zarephath,
considering its symbolic aspects of faith, resilience, and diversity,
could be New Orleans, Louisiana.
Here in our islands, the island of Moloka’i
can be seen as a representation of
Zarephath
for several reasons, and here’s why:
1) Isolation and Community
Moloka’i is one of the less developed and less
touristy islands in Hawaii, known for its strong
sense of community and isolation.
This reflects Zarephath’s historical context as
a place of refuge and provision in a less
prominent region.
2) Faith And Resilience
Moloka’i has a history of resilience and faith, particularly symbolized
by Kalaupapa, where Saint Damien worked with leprosy patients.
This dedication and service to those in need mirror the faith
and perseverance seen in the story of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath.
3) Provision And Simplicity
The island’s lifestyle is simpler and more reliant on local resources,
akin to the story of divine provision in Zarephath.
Residents often lead a life closer to nature, emphasizing sustainability
and self-sufficiency.
Moloka’i, with its unique combination of community strength,
historical faith, and simplicity, embodies many of the qualities
associated with Zarephath.
OUR ZAREPHATH TODAY IS THE CHURCH
The church plays a significant role in our lives, serving as our
modern-day Zarephath.
WHY IS THE CHURCH OUR MODERN DAY ZAREPHATH?
1) PLACE OF PROVISION AND REFUGE
• The church today serves as a place where people can find
spiritual nourishment, support, and refuge in times
of personal or communal hardship.
2) FAITH AND MIRACLES
• The story of Zarephath highlights God’s miraculous provision
and the faith of the widow.
Similarly, the church is a place where f*aith is nurtured*,
and people experience God’s work and miracles in their lives
through prayer, community support, and acts of service.
3) HOSPITALITY AND GENEROSITY**
• The widow’s hospitality to Elijah despite her own shortage
demonstrates the church’s role in extending generosity
and care to others, even in times of scarcity.
The church is called to be a place of open arms,
acceptance, and assisting those in need.
4) INTERFAITH AND CROSS-CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
• Zarephath was located outside of Israel,
in a region known for different religious practices.
The church today often engages with diverse cultures
and beliefs, promoting understanding, compassion,
and unity among different communities.
Just look at our 5 different gatherings.
5) PREPARATION AND TRAINING
• Zarephath was a place of preparation for Elijah before
his future missions.
The church serves as a training ground for believers,
equipping them with the spiritual tools and knowledge
they need to face life’s challenges and fulfill their callings.
6) GOD’S FAITHFULNESS AND TRUST
• The story of Zarephath emphasizes trust in God’s
faithfulness and provision.
The church continually teaches and reminds its members
of God’s unwavering faithfulness and encourages them
to trust in His plans and timing
By embracing these characteristics, the church today reflects
the essence of Zarephath, serving as a place of refuge, faith, hospitality,
and divine provision for its community.
When we all do church together, we are all blessed together!
[see article “Attending Church In Person Can Offer Several Benefits”]
PROCESS [Application]
Here are some application points that we can apply to our lives
from the story of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-10):
1) GO WHERE GOD IS TELLING YOU TO GO
• Even if it may not make sense or you don’t have the resources.
• Follow God’s guidance, trust in His directions.
“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway
for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” —Psalms 32:8 NLT
“Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.” —Psalms 25:4 NLT
• Understand that obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes.
2) TRUST IN GOD’S PROVISION
• Have faith that God will provide for your needs,
even in difficult and scarce times.
• Practice trusting God’s timing and methods,
knowing He works in unexpected ways.
3) GENEROSITY IN SCARCITY
• Be willing to give and help others, even when you feel
you have little to offer. [see the message on Shamgar]
• Recognize that acts of generosity can lead to blessings
for both the giver and the receiver.
4) FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE
• Maintain your faith during trials, knowing that God is with you.
• Persevere through challenges, trusting that God has a purpose
for your struggles and suffering.
SMALL GROUP DISCIPLESHIP/CONVO [Transformation Table]
How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s provision
in our own lives?
Can you share a time when you experienced God’s provision
in an unexpected way?
What does the widow’s act of generosity teach us about giving,
even when we have little?
What are some areas in our lives where we might need to step out
in obedience to God’s direction?
What role does prayer and scripture play in strengthening
our faith during tough times?
“Then His disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures:
“Passion for God’s house will consume me.” —John 2:17 NLT
GIVING OPPORTUNITY
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! —Malachai 3:10 NLT
