God’s Delivery Service – August 3, 2026
Read: 1 Kings 17:1-6
You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 1 Kings 17:4-6
God’s Delivery Service
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Birds are pretty good at finding food. They peck in the grass. They look for crumbs. They raid your beach picnic (we’re looking at you, seagulls!). They search in trees and bushes. But in today’s Bible reading, you probably noticed that the birds weren’t finding food for themselves. They were working for God’s delivery service! God used ravens to deliver food to Elijah.
Sounds pretty strange, right?
Elijah was a prophet who spoke God’s Word during the reign of a wicked king named Ahab. Ahab didn’t love the one true God and led many people away from the Lord. So, God sent Elijah with a message to show Ahab how serious his sin was: there would be no rain for a long time.
No rain meant dry ground; dry ground meant no crops; no crops meant people wouldn’t have enough food. Many people and animals could starve to death! But God didn’t forget about Elijah. He told his prophet to go to a special place near a brook, where clean, cool water would flow for Elijah to drink. God would even send ravens to bring food for Elijah! So, Elijah went, and God kept his promise. Every morning and evening, ravens came with bread and meat. Day after day, Elijah had what he needed.
God’s care looked strange . . . it came through birds! But it was still God’s care.
God still provides for us today. And he provides for us in ways you have come to expect: grocery stores, parents, friends, a teacher, a neighbor . . . so many different ways. But, at other times, God provides for us in ways we never saw coming.
This is what makes God’s people different, though, just like Elijah was different from Ahab. Christians don’t always know how God will provide or when he will provide. But we do know this: God will provide! God cared for Elijah near the brook. God cares for you, too. And if you ever need proof of that, remember that God provided his own Son, Jesus, as the sacrifice needed to pay for our sins. Through Jesus, God gives you what you need. Through Jesus, God gives forgiveness, life, and a home with him forever.
The God who sent birds with bread has not forgotten what his children need. And he knows why you need it. And he promises that he will always provide.
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for giving us what we need each day. Help us trust your care, even when we do not yet see how you will provide. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What kind of birds brought Elijah food?
- Pretend you are a raven delivering Elijah’s meal. What food are you carrying?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What did God show Elijah by giving him food each morning and evening?
- List as many people, places and things God uses to give you what you need as you can in 30 seconds. Ready. Set. Go!
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why can it be hard to trust God when he provides only one day at a time?
- What’s the difference between trusting God to provide what we need and expecting him to give us everything we want?
