The University of Cherith
Today’s Verse:
Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. ~1 Kings 17:3
There is something tranquil and peaceful about resting at a brook, a lake, or a calm river. It captures our attention and helps us to get our mind and thoughts off of the things that make us anxious and discouraged. This morning, we are at the brook Cherith. It was there at the beginning of what would be a terrible drought that God sent Elijah. Let us see the education that comes when we are the university of Cherith.
We see the directive.
God pronounced a drought on Israel because of the sins of idolatry of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. As soon as this pronouncement was given, God commanded Elijah to hide himself at the brook called Cherith. This directive sounded suspicious. It was near to the Jordan River. Humanly speaking, the Jordan River made more sense. However, this directive was specific. God said the brook Cherith. Most importantly, the directive was sovereign. God’s commands are given to be obeyed, not questioned or debated.
We see the dependence.
God told Elijah two things about Cherith. First, he was to hide himself there. This was for safety reasons. This was also for spiritual reasons. We must have a “Cherith” where we hide and seclude ourselves from the distractions and pressures of life. Second, God told him that there, the ravens would feed him. God used these scavenger birds to bring Elijah his bread and meat twice a day. God used this little brook to give him his water source. All of this seemed so unusual, but God was taking care of his servant!
We see the dwelling.
“So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.” For over a year, Elijah dwelt at Cherith. Cherith became home for Elijah. Everything Elijah needed was completely taken care of. Home is where you feel safe. Home is where you know there is love. Home is where you live! Moses said, “Thou hast been our dwelling place for all generations.” Elijah was taken to a new place in his fellowship with God. The success of the Christian life can always be traced to where we dwell.
We see the development.
Cherith means “cutting.” Before God would tell Elijah, “Go, shew thyself,” he first had to learn to hide himself. Cherith was where God was preparing his servant for greater days of service opportunity. God used Cherith to cut away Elijah’s fears, doubts, insecurities, and spiritual inadequacies. God was molding His man in his conviction, his closeness, his courage, and his communication. The only personal contact Elijah had for over a year was with God. Elijah learned some powerful lessons that forged him into the powerful man that he became.
We see the dependability.
“And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.” Every day, that little brook became smaller and smaller until it dried up. However, while the brook became smaller, Elijah’s faith in God became larger and larger. Elijah learned that it was not the brook he needed to depend upon, but the God of the brook. When that brook was completely dried up, Elijah was spiritually ready for God to send him to his next assignment and location. You can trust God, even when the brook is drying up! You can trust God when you don’t know what the next step is.
Cherith was the university and training ground for faith, dependence, and prayer. Find your Cherith this morning, and hide thyself!
Have a special God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Joshua 19-21