Sometimes We Need A Raven… Hello weekend readers. My musings today are not actually about a bird, instead, it’s the power of what God can do through not only a Raven, but you and me. I am writing this today, March 12, and I just found out that over 11 billion dollars has already been used for this illegal war with Iran. The cost of gas is flying high, and now because of ships that are stuck in the Straits of Hormuz which links the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, over 260 cargo ships are stuck, not just for our country, but many others—they will not get what they need. It will amount to a 2.5 million+ loss to these countries. And we are talking about medicines, food, and essential needs for families, jobs, etc. O Lord, we need a Raven!

Have you ever experienced God’s provision in a way you never could have predicted when you needed it most? I remember many years ago when the company my husband worked for shut down. As newly-weds, we were fearful. In northern Wisconsin, good jobs were scarce then. In fact, they still are up there. We prayed and we searched daily for a job and God provided. Actually, God has done that for us 3 times now! When Al had back injuries and couldn’t do landscaping anymore, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, where I worked, asked him to come to work there because they needed someone who was a good handy-man and that was my Al–he can fix almost anything. He still works half-time for them when we come back from our campground hosting up in New Mexico. I think we had a lot of Ravens…

All of this reminds me of Elijah and the Ravens. I looked up Ravens in the bible—there’s a lot, here a few: Genesis 8:7 – Leviticus 11:15 – Deuteronomy 14:14 – Job 38:41 –Psalm 147:9 – Proverbs 30:17 – Song of Solomon 5:11 & 34:11 – Luke 12:24.  

In the Hebrew language, Raven is called ‘Orebh’ which is rooted in a word meaning “to be black,” which is also referenced in Solomon’s teaching. In those days, people thought that black birds came from the devil! That superstition is still used today. It’s not just about black birds but also dogs who are black. This superstition hurts these dogs who need a loving home and many never find one. I love my gorgeous Moose who is a black Labrador/Dane!

Obviously, God had no use for superstitions about black animals! He quickly sent Ravens to Elijah because the Baal believers wanted to kill him. In 1 Kings 2-6 [MSG] we read: God then told Elijah, “Get out of here, and fast. Head east and hide out at the Kerith Ravine on the other side of the Jordan River. You can drink fresh water from the brook; I’ve ordered the ravens to feed you.” Elijah obeyed God’s orders. He went and camped in the Kerith Canyon on the other side of the Jordan. And sure enough, ravens brought him his meals, both breakfast and supper, and he drank from the brook.

You’ve gotta love this, right? Ravens! It’s like the world’s first Door Dash—delivery by beak! In fact, this wasn’t just unlikely. It was borderline scandalous. Jews considered ravens to be ceremonially unclean and undesirable. Granted, Elijah wasn’t eating a raven [which God had forbidden in Leviticus 11:13-15], but he was certainly depending on one—even if it was black birds! Without the provision from God, Elijah would probably have died out in the desert.

What is the meaning of this story of Ravens? Well, it proves that God often works in ways that defy conventional expectations. It’s also a reminder that God is running the show and will use whatever means necessary to care for us—even if it’s a Raven! God is endlessly creative and God’s provision is always with us.

So, on those tough days, here’s a simple prayer: “O Lord send me some Ravens!” AMEN.