Remember The Ravens

If you’ve been living under a rock you might not realize that ravens are considered to be creepy and disturbing by many cultures. Their harsh cries, stark black feathers, and their digestive diligence in devouring dead things all play a role in this reputation. In fact, their eating habits landed ravens on the list of unclean animals under mosaic law. Despite all the negativity surrounding ravens, they play a vital role in scripture. One of my favorite instances is how God used these beautiful, yet disturbing birds to care for Elijah.

So he (Elijah) went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and lived by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he would drink from the brook.
1 Kings 17:5-7

Long story short, Elijah had just confronted wicked King Ahab for the first time and the entire land was facing a drought. People were starving due to Ahab’s sin. As Elijah followed God’s instructions how did God choose to provide for his needs? Scary, unclean, annoying birds! My point is this. The next time you get irritated at the things God has brought into your life - be it a person, a job, or a challenge you don’t want to face - remember the ravens. God has a way of blessing us through means that remind us that all of creation is precious despite whatever perceptions or prejudices we may have formed over time.