Rockwell's Dream - Elijah and the ravens Bible story

An Animal Parable Bible Story From Matney Woodard

"Ask the animals and they will teach you" -- Job 12:7

Rockwell's Dream

Elijah the prophet appeared before the king and boldly declared that there would be no rain. God then told Elijah to go to the wilderness where He had commanded ravens to bring him food. This Animal Parable is about the ravens that fed Elijah. When we are living by faith in God's Word, we can be assured that God will provide everything we need.

“He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.” -- Psalm 104:10-12

“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds.” -- Luke 12:24

Introduction

Based on the story of the ravens that fed Elijah, this parable is about how a raven named Rockwell trusted God to save his flock. You can read the real story in your Bible at 1 Kings 17:4-7. After you read Rockwell's Dream, visit the Animal Parable Bible Lesson for a kids devotion on trusting God that is based on this children's story.

Rockwell's Dream

By Harrison Woodard

Once there was young raven named Rockwell. He lived with his grandparents and the rest of his flock in a valley in Israel. He was very happy to live in such a wonderful place where God provided all their needs.

Rockwell had three friends named Amanda, Dillon, and Skye. They loved playing together in their beautiful valley.

####

And then one day, a flock of doves stopped in their valley.

“The humans have stopped worshipping God,” said one of the doves. “Because of this, there will not be any rain or dew for the next three years.”

“This valley will dry up very soon,” said another. “You must find somewhere else to live.”

“Where are you going?” asked Basil, the ravens’ leader.

“We are flying north,” said the first dove. “We’ve heard there is enough water and food for us there.”

“Tomorrow morning we will decide what we will do,” said Basil

Most of the ravens couldn’t sleep that night. They were shocked that humans would stop worshipping God.

####

The next morning Basil addressed the flock, “We should fly north. The doves said there is enough water and food for all of us about three days flight from here.”

Another raven added, “If we stay here, we will die. I agree. We must leave this place.”

All the birds agreed to fly north in the morning.

####

That night Rockwell’s grandparents were very sad.

“What’s wrong?” asked Rockwell.

“We are too old to fly north with the flock. It’s just too far for us,” said his grandfather

“There must be something we can do,” said Rockwell.

“We’ll have to stay here and trust that God will provide for us,” said his grandmother.

Rockwell was very sad. He didn’t want to leave his grandparents or his friends.

That night, he bowed his head and prayed, “God, show me your plan to keep my family and friends together.”

And God answered his prayer.

####

During the night, Rockwell had a dream. He saw a valley with lots of running water and food coming down from heaven.

In his dream, God spoke to Rockwell, “Fly east, and I will provide for your family and friends.”

The next morning as the flock was preparing to leave, Rockwell bravely addressed them, “Last night God told me that if we fly a short distance east, he will provide food and water for everyone.”

The other ravens started laughing.

“Why would God talk to you?” asked Basil. “Who are you to know God’s will?”

Another added, “The doves came from the east and said there was nothing to eat or drink. They flew north. I say we follow them.”

The birds continued to argue.

“I don’t know what we will find, but I must obey God’s command,” said Rockwell.

“I will be going north. I will not risk my life on the word of Rockwell,” said Basil.

Most of the flock flew north.

Rockwell flew East with his grandparents, three friends and twenty other ravens.

####

Rockwell and his little flock flew for most of the morning. They reached a small watering hole where some sparrows were resting.

“Where are you going?” asked one of the sparrows.

“We’re flying east,” said Rockwell.

“Why would you do that?” asked the sparrow. “We just came from the east. There is no water in that direction.”

“God said He would provide for us,” said Rockwell.

“I hope you are right. We’re heading north,” said the sparrow.

####

Some of the ravens began to doubt.

“Rockwell, how do we know for sure there will be water and food?” asked one of the ravens.

“God said He would provide for us,” said Rockwell. “That’s good enough for me.”

The raven said, “I’m sorry I don’t have your faith. I’m flying north with the sparrows.”

“Don’t you believe God?” asked Dillon.

“If God spoke to me, I would believe. But I can’t risk my life on Rockwell’s dream.”

So ten of the ravens flew north.

The rest flew east with Rockwell.

####

About midday, they reached a small pond and stopped to rest. Some swallows were resting nearby.

“Hello friends. Where are you heading?” asked one of the swallows.

“We’re heading east,” said Rockwell.

“That may be a bad idea,” said the swallow. “There’s no water to the east.”

“God said He would provide for us,” said Rockwell.

“God be with you,” said the swallows as they continued their journey north.

####

Again, some of the ravens started to doubt Rockwell.

“Rockwell, what proof do you have that there will be water?” asked one of the ravens.

“I have God’s word,” said Rockwell. “That’s all I need.”

“Well, I need more,” said the raven. “I’m flying north.”

“Don’t you trust God?” asked Skye.

But it was too late, five of the ravens headed north.

Rockwell and the remaining ravens flew east.

####

It was late afternoon before they reached a small oasis. They landed there to drink some water and rest. There was only a small pond of water remaining. Several camels were resting in the shade.

“Where are you heading?” asked one of the camels.

“We’re flying east,” said Rockwell.

“Oh, that’s a bad idea,” said the camel. “There’s nothing but dust and rocks to the east.”

“God said He would provide for us,” said Rockwell.

“It will take a miracle to survive out there,” said the camel. “I will pray for all of you.”

####

The ravens watched as the camels headed north.

“This is crazy,” said one of the ravens. “Everyone says that there is no water to the east.”

“You must trust God,” said Rockwell.

“I can’t do it. I’m flying north,” said the raven. “Who is going with me?”

“Please stay,” pleaded Amanda. “God will take care of us.”

But it was too late. Five of the ravens flew north.

Only Rockwell, his grandparents and his three friends continued flying east.

####

They flew until they were exhausted.

“Rockwell, we can’t go any further,” said his grandfather. “We are very tired.”

Then God spoke to Rockwell, “Land on the large rock below.”

“This is the place,” said Rockwell.

The ravens landed on the rock. It was nighttime and the birds fell fast asleep.

####

The next morning they woke to the sound of running water. At the base of the rock, a small spring had appeared during the night. The birds flew down and took a big drink of the cool water.

“It’s a miracle!” exclaimed Skye.

“I’ve never tasted water this sweet,” said Dillon

“We’re saved!” shouted Amanda.

####

God spoke to Rockwell again, “On the rock there is meat and bread. I will provide this every morning and evening for you until the rain returns. But before you eat any food, each of you must carry some of it to my servant Elijah.”

“Where will I find him?” asked Rockwell.

“Fly south and I will show you where he is,” said God.

Rockwell flew up to the rock. Just as God promised, there was meat and bread.

“Hey everyone come up here!” shouted Rockwell.

They all flew to the top of the rock.

“Food!” exclaimed the ravens as they started to eat.

“Wait!” shouted Rockwell. “We must carry some of this to one of God’s prophets. Food will continue to appear as long as we follow God’s instructions.”

So the ravens each grabbed as much food as they could carry and followed Rockwell south.

####

After a short flight, they found Elijah praying near a small brook. Each bird landed and placed their food in front of Elijah.

Elijah thanked each bird, “God bless you.”

The drought dragged on, but God continued to provide food and water for the birds. And every morning and evening the ravens delivered food to Elijah.

God used the ravens to care for His prophet. And in return, He provided for Rockwell and his flock.

####

After many months, the rain returned and the miracle food no longer appeared. But the spring continued to flow. The entire valley sprang to life with plants and animals of all kinds.

Rockwell and his little flock remained as well. They prospered in their new home by their miracle spring. They were all saved because they trusted God.

THE END

To read the Animal Parable Bible Lesson for this story, click here.

The Ravens Feed Elijah

Read the real story in your Bible

1 Kings 17:4-7

To read the poem that was inspired by this story, click here.

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