FROM A BEGGAR FOR LIFE TO A GIVER OF LIFE An Exegesis of lkings 17:8-16 - Its Theological Implications and Relevance to Today's Context
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Date
2005
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
Our preference for the topic 'From a Beggar for Life to a Giver of Life' was
motivated by three factors. First, we are living in a world where systems and ideologies
such as globalization, capitalism, materialism, consumerism among others, make false
claims on their ability to answer all of mankind's questions especially those that border
on the meaning of life. Proponents of such systems and ideologies ridicule and mock
traditional foundations of religion and ethics, which for centuries have provided
mankind with a roadmap for life, and in its stead, pretend to offer better alternatives.
The tragedy with such systems and ideologies however, is, they do not only fail
to fulfill their false claims, but worse, they leave man confused, shattered and devoid of
any form of meaning. To all those who seek a meaning and life from systems and
ideologies we dare to say: only God is the giver of life.
Second, at the level of international relations, our occidental counterparts have
always considered the African continent as both dark and helpless and therefore, in
constant need of their help. The tragedy however, is that the Africans themselves have
internalized this myth, with the sad result that they make no efforts to find a solution to
their problem except that of begging. They have come to believe that this is their
destiny. Knowing this, their European and American counterparts attach all sorts of
conditions to their financial assistance often times imposing conditions that jeopardize
the sovereignty of nations. It is with our fellow continental brothers and sisters that we
wish to share the conviction that in trusting obedience to the word of God, they can
become a source of the solution to their problem, and a supplier of life to the West who
for the most part, live in emptiness and meaninglessness without ever wanting to
acknowledge it.
Third, I have observed with concern cases of people, who have become overly
dependent on certain forms of pleasures, to the point where these have become their
ultimate values in the mistaken belief that such, may ultimately lead to their happiness.
We have in mind people who have become dependent on alcohol, drugs, sexual
pleasures, wealth acquisition and power. All these forms of pleasures have the ability to
become idols, where people see in them their ultimate source of life. It is with such
people that we desired to share the conviction that only God is the giver of life.
The story of the encounter of Prophet Elijah with the widow of larephath is of
paradigmatic value in our attempt to develop the thesis that only God is the giver of life.
Condemned as it were by the system, she was left for dead, but through her trusting
obedience, God manifested his power to sustain life but also to empower, so that, she,
who was once a beggar for life became a supplier of life.
Our work will be divided into three chapters. The first chapter will discuss on
the historical circumstances under which prophet Elijah worked, the situation of widows
in the Near East and particularly that of the widow of Zarephath. The second chapter is
dedicated to the exegetical analysis of 1Kings 17: 8-16, beginning as it were by tackling
the introductory questions. Using the analysis provided by chapter two, chapter three
will attempt to draw out the few theological themes that emerge therefrom and then
seek to apply them to our contemporary situation.
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FROM A BEGGAR FOR LIFE TO A GIVER OF LIFE