In 1 Kings 17, we are introduced to the prophet Elijah during a severe drought. He delivers a message from God that there will be no rain until he says so. God provides for Elijah by sending ravens to bring him food, and later directs him to a widow in Zarephath who miraculously sustains him with a jar of flour and a jug of oil. This chapter showcases God's provision and the faithfulness of Elijah in obeying God's commands, despite the challenging circumstances.
In this chapter, Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He challenges them to a showdown to prove whose God is the true God. The prophets of Baal fail to invoke a response from their deity, but when Elijah prays to the Lord, fire comes down from heaven, consuming the sacrifice and demonstrating God's power. This event leads to the people turning back to God, acknowledging Him as the true God, and Elijah executes the prophets of Baal. It highlights the divine intervention, Elijah's zeal for the Lord, and the triumph of God over idolatry.
After the dramatic events on Mount Carmel, Elijah finds himself fleeing from Jezebel, who threatens his life. In the wilderness, Elijah experiences a deep sense of discouragement and loneliness, seeking God's guidance and questioning his purpose. God meets him in a gentle whisper, reassuring him and giving him new instructions. Elijah is told to anoint Elisha as his successor and to continue his prophetic ministry. This chapter showcases God's faithfulness in sustaining and restoring Elijah, providing a renewed sense of strength and purpose.
In James 5:17, there is a reference to Elijah's faithfulness. It says, "Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years." This verse reminds us that Elijah, despite being a regular person, demonstrated extraordinary faithfulness and reliance on God through his earnest prayers and obedience. It encourages believers today to seek a similar level of faithfulness, believing that even miraculous things can happen when we trust and obey God wholeheartedly.
Believers today can be faithful to the point of seeing miraculous things by developing a deep and intimate relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance and relying on the Holy Spirit. It involves surrendering our own will and desires to align with God's will, trusting His timing and plans even when they may seem impossible. Just as Elijah was faithful in following God'
We use Logos Bible Software for our show prep.
Get 5 Free Digital Books and 10% Off- HERE.
Get the Logos 10 Fundamentals for Just $50- HERE.
Check out Ryan's other podcast, God's Whole Story.
Ryan works for Men of Iron, an organization committed to changing a culture one man at a time. If you'd like to get involved, click HERE.
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
YouTube | Rumble | Medium
Contact us at godsplanyourpart@gmail.com
Thanks so much for listening to the show. We'll See you tomorrow.
-Ryan and Jenny
