Elijah - a devout man, a divided nation (12 messages)

It is early morning. From all sides the eager crowds are making their way toward this spot, which from remotest times has been associated with worship. No work is being done anywhere: a single thought possesses the minds of young and old alike as they respond to their king’s summons to gather together for this might concourse. Behold the many thousands of Israel occupying every foot of vantage ground from which they could obtain a view of the proceedings! Were they to witness a miracle? Was an end now to be put unto their sufferings? Was the long hoped-for rain about to fall? A hush descends upon the multitude as they hear the tread of marshaled men: conspicuous with the sun-symbols flashing on their turbaned heads, sure of court favour and insolently defiant, come the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal. Then, through the crowds, is carried a litter of the king, on the shoulders of his guard of honour, surrounded by his officers of state. (AW Pink, The Life of Elijah, p120)

Few Bible characters knew the extreme highs and extreme lows of Elijah.  From the victory at Mount Carmel to his prayer to God to end his life a short time later, we can sense the roller coaster the great prophet rode.

Many have concluded that Elijah suffered what we today would term depression and there seems to be some evidence for it, however we can say he most definitely experienced persecution, hardship and loneliness; all of which created a turmoil of emotion for this faithful man and he reflected that.

In this 12 part series on Elijah, we will look at all of the events of his life as described in Scripture, which are found in the latter part of 1 Kings and the opening two chapters of 2 Kings.

It's an inspiring story because we can see so much of ourselves in it. Why should that surprise us considering James tells us "Elijah was a man just like us" (Jas 5:17)?

Yet, Elijah also saw dramatic events we have trouble imagining: The showdown at Mt Carmel, the raising of the widow's son, the oil & flour not running out, the ravens bringing his daily food, halting the rain & calling it back.

But the one constant thread running through the entire narrative is the faithfulness of God to his purpose. Judgement was coming on the nation thanks mainly to the wickedness of its monarchs: King Ahab & Queen Jezebel. Elijah was raised up as an instrument of God to execute this judgement and he felt the strain.

There are many themes to be noted when studying the life of Elijah: obedience, perseverance, faithfulness, judgement, sin, holiness & patience just to name a few. Each of these is easily applied to the Christian's life despite them being developed centuries ago.

But if I had to pick one theme above all which returns again and again, it would be the certainty of suffering for the faith. That, once again, is inescapable as we turn to God's word.

I am indebted to the AW Pink for much of the inspiration for this series, although the narrative itself is inspiration enough. Pink's The Life of Elijah will repay careful study should you decided to look at the story at a deeper level. But be warned: if there are several words suitable for any occasion, Pink will use the biggest one possible!

I trust as you open God's word and look in detail at Elijah, that the Lord will bring fruit to bear in your life. And if that happens as a result of the work we have done together, let's be sure to give Him all the praise.

In Christ,
Terry Allen

November 2010