1st Kings 18:1 And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.
Under normal circumstances this command would be the equivalent of Elijah committing suicide, yet it is God who is speaking, and His servants must be in listening mode, being ready to run and obey where ever God might lead the way. In all of our interactions with our fellowmen, as it pertains to the carrying out of the great commission given us by Christ, let Christians be careful to follow the written script, but not so rigidly that God cannot speak to us, for when He begins to roll through the earth, He may, like after the day of Pentecost ask His soldiers to do some very unorthodox things.
[Prophets & Kings pp 129] For a time Elijah remained hidden in the mountains by the brook Cherith. There for many months he was miraculously provided with food. Later on, when, because of the continued drought, the brook became dry, God bade His servant find refuge in a heathen land. “Arise,” He bade him, “get thee to Zarephath, [known in New Testament times as Sarepta], which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.”
This woman was not an Israelite. She had never had the privileges and blessings that the chosen people of God had enjoyed; but she was a believer in the true God and had walked in all the light that was shining on her pathway. And now, when there was no safety for Elijah in the land of Israel, God sent him to this woman to find an asylum in her home.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will enable us to tow the line evenly, between that which is written, and that which may be spoken.
Joel 2:11 And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executes his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!