Introduction: (Open heavens for you) In the Bible the expression “closed heavens” indicates the absence of blessing and support from God. Generally there were droughts and even the animals died of thirst and hunger.
When Jesus was baptized, the Bible says “and praying heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended”. When the heavens open mighty things happen. God wants to open the windows of heaven and pour out his blessings. Let’s see this important study
OPEN HEAVENS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
YO. OBEDIENCE PRECEDES THE ACTION OF GOD
a) Obeying God requires courage (1 Kings 17:1)
Note: Elijah spoke to the king of Israel declaring the judgment that was coming on Israel. He did it fearlessly, for God had sent him. We must keep in mind that the heavens are closed because of the sin of Ahab and Israel: 1 Kings 16:30-33.
Jezebel reigned in Israel, Jezebel is synonymous with: problems with or in authority, is synonymous with sexual immorality, rebellion, idolatry, witchcraft and matriarchy. Elijah’s courage contrasted with Ahab’s weakness, for the king permitted Jezebel’s works throughout Israel.
b) Elijah decides to obey God’s commandments (1 Kings 17:2-3, 5).
Note: God gives Elijah three instructions, God requires the obedience of his sons. God tells him:
1) “Get away from here” (today God continues to say the same thing, that is, we must get away from evil).
two) “Vuelvete al oriente” (turn around, start a new path. Oriente is the translation of a Hebrew term that also translates: before, beginning, ancient… it is like going back to the path before, turning your back on the path that seems good , but its end is death).
3) “Hide in the stream of Querit” (water is a symbol of the word and of the Spirit, it is therefore an area or place of refuge and cover. The term Querit means: cut. It comes from a Hebrew root that means: cut, separate, destroy, cut down. We speak then of a place where not only Elijah would be hidden, but also a place of learning).
c) Obedience is an atmosphere of miracles (1 Kings 17:4)
Note 1: God promises Elijah his supernatural care… But it is Elijah who must obey. Elijah arrived at the brook Cherith, and his obedience allowed the miracle: 1 Kings 17: 6. The raven is carnivorous, with a strong beak, black plumage, they are eager eaters. It is paradoxical, but God is Almighty, he takes care of his children. It is God who opens the heavens.
Note 2: Our heart must maintain its worship of God even if things happen to us that we do not expect or understand: 1 Kings 17:7 (Elijah was obeying God, he was in the right place, perhaps already comfortable, he expected to be there three and a half years.
But God had other plans, he continued to teach Elijah about his power and care, because now he would feed him through a widow in Zarephath of Sidon, a low-income gentile…).
II. ACTIONS THAT OPEN THE HEAVENS:
a) Restore the altar (1 Kings 18:30).
Note: Jehovah’s altar was ruined, neglected, full of dust, old ashes, and cobwebs, it was an altar that had not been used again. This was the spiritual life of Israel… It was at this moment that Elijah poured 12 pitchers of water on the altar: 1 Kings 18:34-35.
God can ask us difficult things… but it will be to show a greater glory: because the fire of God descended and consumed all the sacrifice and all the spilled water. Turn to the altar, for the glory of God will be revealed with power.
b) Seek God insistently (1 Kings 18:42-43).
Note: Elijah was a man of prayer. At the beginning of his prayer process there was no response from heaven, the servant told him “there is nothing”. Elijah told him: “Come back seven times”, because the number seven means the complete, the integrated.
It is as if Elijah said: “I will pray until I complete the measure that God has destined for the heavens to open” (how many times praying have we heard: “there is nothing”, “nothing has happened” or “everything is more difficult” , but the answer is not to stop praying, but to persevere, because in the end there will be open heavens).
(I invite you to read: Sermons written to preach).
c) Believe God (1 Kings 18:44-45).
Note 1: God dried up the brook to teach Elijah to pray for rain (for Elijah would not pray for rain with the brook flowing).
Note 2: God also allows crises to use you as a blessing to others. Because the stream was for Elijah, but the rain is for everyone.
Note 3: The little signs are evidence of the great blessing to come, “I see a little cloud.” Ex: the unbelieving spouse who tells you: “This Sunday I’ll accompany you to church.” The son who does not accompany you, but he tells you: “pray for me, I need God to help me”…
Note 4: When the heavens are open above you, supernatural things begin to happen: 1 Kings 18:45-46.
The NIV version: “Then the power of the Lord came upon Elijah, who, fastening his cloak with his belt, began to run and reached Jezreel before Ahab., the Holy Spirit came upon Elijah and gave him such strength to run that he arrived before King Ahab, who came in a chariot drawn by horses, as when the Spirit came upon Samson and tore the lion to pieces, because when the heavens open about you, about your house, supernatural things start to happen…
Conclusion: God has planned the best for his children, sometimes because of the mistakes made, or because of disobeying God, the heavens close on us, and things get very difficult. But what we must do is turn to God, seek his protection and direction, not stop persevering or seeking him, because in the end he, in his love and mercy, will open the heavens for you. There are open skies for you.
Written by Pastor Gonzalo Sanabria.
We invite you to read the following devotional in Spanish: Sermons written to preach.
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Open skies for you.
