First Christian Church of Plainville
Emulsifier is not a word in most people’s vocabulary, so let’s define it. An emulsifier is something that binds oil and water-based components together. In the case of mayonnaise, it is the eggs that act as the emulsifier that binds oil and water together to form what you and I may add to our next ham sandwich. It is with that definition that Pastor Brian tied us into Chapter 15 of The Story this week.
In the text leading up to 1 Kings 17 we see that the nation of Israel is in shambles. Between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, only 7,000 could be found that were not bowing down to false gods. It was a sad situation and one that required something to bind the people together. Of course we know that emulsifier to be the one true God.
The prophet Elijah told the people, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. The people were even given the chance to call on their gods to “light a fire under their sacrificial bull.” Of course there was no answer, no matter how hard they cried out. Elijah, on the other hand, succeeds with his prayer to the one true God.
This does not set well with King Ahab and he blames Elijah for their problems. And, isn’t that just like us sometimes? We can blame others for our own failures—it is not our fault.
Elijah ultimately feels threatened and runs away, where he is fed by ravens. In 1 Kings 17 we read that the ravens bring him food each day and his water comes from the brook. And just as those ravens bring Elijah food each day, so are we to provide food to those outside of God. We are to be the people that share God’s word with those who don’t know Him. We are to be that emulsifier that allows the oil and water to mix. your words acting as an emulsifier, or are they doing just the opposite?
This week we were able to come together again as a congregation, albeit socially distanced. Still, it was great to be back together. Now, as we move forward, let us not only be together as fellow parishioners, but let us go out and be the emulsifiers that bring others together as well.
