defining the difference

Last night I was reading 1 Kings 17 about Elijah. The passage tells of how he told King Ahab that it would not rain as punishment for the sins of the king and the people. Elijah then goes to a spring where God provides food until the spring runs dry. Elijah then goes to a city outside Israel where he lives with a widow and her son. This is where things got interesting. When Elijah first arrives the widow is down to the last of her supplies and is planning on cooking one final meal before she and her son die of starvation. Elijah tells her that God will provide and that they will not run out of flour or oil and it happens. God provides and she refers to Elijah as a prophet. Later her son becomes ill and is on the verge of death and she asks why Elijah has brought judgement for sin into their home. Elijah prays for the son and his health is restored. Now the widow says that Elijah is truly a prophet and that the Living God speaks through him.

Here's the defining difference. When things are provided for, basic needs for everyday life, however miraculous the provision, Elijah is just a prophet. But when it is an issue of life itself God is present as well in the eyes of the widow. As followers of Christ we do many great and wonderful things through various ministries and organizations. But there is something about the intentionality of sharing the life saving message of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection that moves our actions from good to great. The message of Jesus Christ and the offer of eternal life makes the difference between everyday provision and the giving of life that speaks to the presence of God in the hearts of those being reached out to. Its not enough to be known as good people who help out. We are commanded to tell about Jesus and His impact in our lives. Thats the difference that points to the presence of God.