ELIJAH … A MAN, A PROCLAIMER – PROVEN AND PRESSURED
The New Testament writer James makes it abundantly clear that Elijah was “a man of like passions as we are ….” He’s reminding us that he was mortal, human, flawed and limited like us all and yet, we know from 1 Kings that he was used mightily of God to withstand the evil influence of Ahab and his wife, Jezebel.
Oh the wonder of how God can take an “ordinary” man and woman, yielded to him and use them is a challenge we can all rise to. No one is exempt … no one is excluded … the determining factor is availability … obviously, yielded-ness
We know who Elijah was, where he came from, but little else, but that’s the Key, isn’t it? The focus is on the Message of God, the Will of God, not the instrument.
What are the main Issues of Elijah’s role and ministry?
The Prevalence Of Evil In Israel: The spiritual “climate” is at an all time low … hideous idolatry and defiling immorality.
The Preparation Of The Prophet: We know little of his Call or the process that brought him out of obscurity, this “Voice” in a darkened Wilderness … but like John The Baptist, it may have been a preparation that was vigorous and unrelenting: to stand up boldly against the determined evil of the Rulers, the Priests and the Baal “followers”. This took courage and of course the grace of God was on him. There was no compromise in this mans demeanour or declaration. God is never savage with us but His dealings are deep and demanding, disciplining and directing us to our tasks.
The Proclamation Of The Prophet: It was decisive and plain and authoritative. In our World of compromise and with fears of being seen as bigots and fanatics Elijah had no such consternation or reserve he came declaring that his word would be endorsed and confirmed by God … my suggestion is this was his confidence because he knew that indeed the Pronouncement had been given to him, by Almighty God.
The Provision Of God: The first indication we have of God’s direction to Elijah is in relation to Divine Provision “Go and I will feed you …” Stepping out in obedience, burning with the fire of the Spirit of God within, you know you’ll need Divine Protection, Divine Provision … there will be few that flock to you because of popularity.
The Proofs Of His Prophetic Mantle: Food miraculously provided in the wilderness, confirmation to His Word to simple followers … and most of all the retention and release of rain and the fire from heaven, God is faithful to his servant … but there is a flaw.
The Pressures Upon The Prophet: A man alone, (or that’s how he felt) is a target for a Foe, more evil than Ahab, more insidious and manipulative than Jezebel. Satan himself couldn’t prevent the fulfilling of The Word of The Lord but he was determined to “pay back” the obedient servant, and the threat of the murderous Queen “got at” the Prophet, reducing him to depression and fear, he sets out “backwards” to the inhospitable terrain of Horeb, as did Moses when under threat … but Horeb is the “Mountain of God” the meeting place of God for the frightened and forlorn, the disappointed and defeated. God meets Elijah and challenges him, comforts him and does not condemn him … “He remembers that we are but Dust”
The Prosperity Of God is upon the Servant and he is given a protégée for ministry and company, one who will further the Prophetic Ministry of Elijah and more so. This day and age we find ourselves in, demands a prophetic voice … Perhaps it’s the Church Universal, chastened by God … a local Church, a man or woman or both … a Remnant of the Righteous … The Available and Yielded can expect great tumult, aggressive opposition, slander and derision, maybe death … but more importantly, they can expect the grace and favour, the glory of God and the Miraculous evidence of the Spirit.