Some time ago I attended the opening of and archive in Chicago for the works of Oswald Chambers, a Scotish preacher who died in 1917. Until then the name Chicago meant nothing more to me than Al Capone, Jazz, Windy City, Lake Michigan the list could go on. Having never been there I could be full of anxiety about what or who to expect. However, my wife was with me and we have a promise of care from some wonderful friends to whom we matter, not Al Capone type characters!
Recently I came across the name of another place that intrigued me ‘Kerith Valley’. During a really difficult and dry time in his life a man called Elijah was invited to be cared for there by God (1 Kings 17:3). I wondered if Elijah had images or anxieties about what he may discover in this unfamiliar place. Having said that, he may not have, because he had exactly what I have ‘a promise of care’ from someone who valued him.
Sometimes it’s not possible to get on a plane or walk to a remote Valley but there are many times we wish we could. Life can be difficult and dry, huge issues confront us. In such moments you and I need to find care. In the way God said to Elijah ‘go to Kerith’ Jesus says to us all ‘come to me if your weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28). Put plainly, Jesus believes you are really valuable and He is inviting you to bring your pain, not geographically but spiritually, to a place where He can care for you. ‘a promise of care’.
Rob Wykes 