Daily Bread: A Symbol of Dependence on God

Living in rural Wisconsin, I've had the privilege of observing the majesty of ravens around my place. While crows are more common, it's the ravens that often capture my attention. The memory of a stiff, shiny black feather I found one day by my mailbox is etched in my mind, and it immediately connected me to the story of Elijah and his encounter with the ravens.

In 1 Kings 17:4, God instructed Elijah to camp by the brook Cherith, where he would find sustenance from an unexpected source - the ravens. Twice a day, these birds would bring him bread and meat, as well as water from the brook. This miraculous provision was a symbol of God's daily dependence on Him, and it serves as a powerful reminder for us today.

As I reflect on my own season of drought, I began to find feathers - not just physical ones but also spiritual reminders of God's faithfulness. Like Elijah, I had been called to trust in God's provision during a time of uncertainty and hardship. The fires of anxiety were raging around me, the dead grass of despair was parched and cracked, and my income was dwindling.

But as I meditated on the story of Elijah and the ravens, I began to see parallels between his experience and mine. Like Elijah, I had been drawn to this passage because of the drought and wildfires that were ravaging our area in 2021. Our family faced sudden unemployment, and it was a humbling and extraordinary experience.

The raven is often remembered as the bird that did not return to the ark after Noah released one to measure the receding floodwaters. In Jewish tradition, the raven is also considered 'detestable' and 'abhorrent' due to its scavenging habits (Leviticus 11:13, 15). Yet, God chose these birds as His servants to provide for Elijah's needs.

The story of Elijah and the ravens is a powerful reminder that our dependence on God should be like their dependence on Him. Just as the ravens brought bread and meat twice a day, so too can we trust in God's daily provision. In this season of uncertainty, may we find comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father is always with us, providing for our needs and reminding us to depend on Him alone.

Daily bread