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June 28th
The Bible reading is in 1 Kings 20,21.
Yesterday we read about the prophet Elijah going toe to toe with the wicked Ahab and his even more wicked wife Jezebel. He even went altar to altar against the 400 prophets of Baal and 450 prophets of Ashera on Mt Carmel.
For half a day Israel watched the prophets and priests of Baal cry, holler, and cut themselves trying to get their gods to act upon their altar. Nothing happened. Then it was Elijah’s turn. Or should I say Jesus’ turn?
Elijah spoke to the multitude on the mountain. “How long will you halt between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him. If Baal be God, follow him.”
Reminds me of the apostle Paul saying, “Follow me as I follow Christ...” Then Elijah prayed...”O Lord, show Israel today that You are God and that I am Your servant.”
Fire from heaven fell upon the altar, consuming the sacrifice, the rocks, and the trench full of water. The people fell on their faces saying, “The Lord, He is God.” The hand of the Lord was upon Elijah.
Then something happened. The joy and exaltation of the Lord were Elijah’s strength on Carmel. But days later, the brave Elijah was running for his life. From faith to fear. From standing against 850 opponents one day to running from the evil threat of the wicked queen the next.
What happened next? We read about Elijah hiding out in a cave in the wilderness. All the way to Mt Horeb. Depressed and scared and feeling all alone.
Do we roast Elijah there? Not me, I've gone from hero to zero too many times. What’s important to me is what happened during Elijah’s “dark night” of his soul. “There” God met him. Not in a strong wind, not in an earthquake, not in the fire, but in a still small voice.
And more times than not, that is where Jesus meets me. A quiet place, in silence, listening, and then that’s when God tells me that I'm not alone and that He is not through with me yet...” just like he said to the old prophet yrs ago.”
Next, Elijah’s nemesis, King Ahab and Jezebel, show up in today’s reading. Bullies and murderers of God-fearing Israelites. And then we read how God gives them a victory over an even bigger bully, the king of Syria.
Why in the world would God show His grace upon a nation that had turned it’s back on the God that had blessed them so? God’s people all across America today are asking the same question? What is holding back the judgment of God upon the idolatrous nation that we have become?
My belief? “The grace and mercy of God”.
Oh Lord, there are still so many of our loved ones who are not yet believing You, Jesus. We want you to come in one prayer, in another, we thank You for holding off your judgment awhile longer for the sake of the salvation of millions more!
Love you, friends. Have a great day!
