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ELIJAH, THE PROPHET WHO NEVER DIED
We all have our weak moments, as did one of the greatest prophets, Elijah. Deeply human as he was spiritual, he struggles head to head with one of the worst kings – Ahab. His emotional roller coaster as he swings from dynamic display of God’s power to deep depression brings home powerful lessons.
It is a time when prophets’ heads roll and false prophets rule the roost. Obadiah fears for his life to even acknowledge the presence of Elijah to the king. Elijah trifles his fear and courageously faces the king and all prophets of Baal.
Dynamic Display
He challenges the people of Israel “If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him. But the people said nothing.” 1 Kings 18:21
As the challenge for supremacy between Jehovah and Baal commences, he vanquishes them with gusto in the name of God.
Deep Depression
His powerful message and demonstration evokes no positive response either from the king or the people. Queen Jezebel vows to kill Elijah. The brave prophet suddenly loses heart and runs for his life (1 Kings 19:3). Having let go his assistant, he asks God to take his life.
The Lord taps him a couple of times giving him food and water. He gets up and continues to run – forty days.
Divine Direction
The “word of the Lord” asks him one question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah reels out his sad story of being the only prophet left. He is told that God is going to pass by. After the wind, earthquake, fire, God speaks to him in a gentle whisper asking the same question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?" God goes ahead and corrects the perception that he is the only one left affirming 7,000 true worshippers. He then instructs him to go right back – the way he came. He had great work to do – anointing two kings before he passed the prophetic baton to Elisha.
Is our perception so clouded that we fail to see the powerful hand of God in control of all things? Is God asking us “what are you doing here” and telling us we should be somewhere else doing something else for Him even if we don’t perceive any clear outcomes? Are we listening to His still small voice?
We all have our weak moments, as did one of the greatest prophets, Elijah. Deeply human as he was spiritual, he struggles head to head with one of the worst kings – Ahab. His emotional roller coaster as he swings from dynamic display of God’s power to deep depression brings home powerful lessons.
It is a time when prophets’ heads roll and false prophets rule the roost. Obadiah fears for his life to even acknowledge the presence of Elijah to the king. Elijah trifles his fear and courageously faces the king and all prophets of Baal.
Dynamic Display
He challenges the people of Israel “If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him. But the people said nothing.” 1 Kings 18:21
As the challenge for supremacy between Jehovah and Baal commences, he vanquishes them with gusto in the name of God.
Deep Depression
His powerful message and demonstration evokes no positive response either from the king or the people. Queen Jezebel vows to kill Elijah. The brave prophet suddenly loses heart and runs for his life (1 Kings 19:3). Having let go his assistant, he asks God to take his life.
The Lord taps him a couple of times giving him food and water. He gets up and continues to run – forty days.
Divine Direction
The “word of the Lord” asks him one question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah reels out his sad story of being the only prophet left. He is told that God is going to pass by. After the wind, earthquake, fire, God speaks to him in a gentle whisper asking the same question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?" God goes ahead and corrects the perception that he is the only one left affirming 7,000 true worshippers. He then instructs him to go right back – the way he came. He had great work to do – anointing two kings before he passed the prophetic baton to Elisha.
Is our perception so clouded that we fail to see the powerful hand of God in control of all things? Is God asking us “what are you doing here” and telling us we should be somewhere else doing something else for Him even if we don’t perceive any clear outcomes? Are we listening to His still small voice?
Scripture
About this Plan
Prophets take the limelight as kings flail, warning leaders and people of God’s impending judgment. For every true prophet there are several quacks pushing people back into delusion and complacency. Similar to our current day scenario - false teachers abound attracting millions. The few who stand for truth may appear victims but in God’s power are victors and sway the future. Exciting glimpses of the future are also touched upon.
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