Thursday, September 4, 2014

Life Lessons From the Story of Elijah

Life Lesson #1
(Brook of Cherith, Widow of Zarepath)
The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.
But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the LORD sends rain and the crops grow again!”
The LORD heard Elijah’s prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived!
Then the woman told Elijah, “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God, and that the LORD truly speaks through you.” (1 Kings 17:6-7, 13-14, 22, 24 NLT)

When Judgement comes in the land God will supply supernaturally for His righteous remnant.



Life Lesson #2
(Prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel)
“I have made no trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the LORD and have worshiped the images of Baal instead. Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel. ” (1 Kings 18:18-19 NLT)

We must fear God not man, being His voice to confront sin against government leaders and false prophets who tolerate it.  
We should be so confident in God that we are willing to publicly demonstrate His power, proving that all other gods are not real.

Life Lesson #3
(Rain is Coming)

And soon the sky was black with clouds. A heavy wind brought a terrific rainstorm, and Ahab left quickly for Jezreel. Then the LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:45-46 NLT)

If God said it, He will do it, we are to speak it, until we see it, and trust God to give us the strength to see it through.

Life Lesson #4
(Jezebel)

When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.” Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” (1 Kings 19:1-4 NLT)

Often the greatest spiritual victories are followed by the most challenging tests.  It is great to testify what God has done but what matters most is how has it changed who we now are.  When are enemies don't respond as we expect and even threaten us the actions that follow will determine how much we have changed.

Life Lesson #5
(Conversations with God)

So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the LORD said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” (1 Kings 19:8-10 NLT)

Just because our needs are being met does not mean we are in the right place.  God is merciful and will take care of His children but He has called us to live in a place of obedience.  Whatever excuses we make and whoever we blame for running from the call of God will not stand any ground when The Lord says to us as He did to Elijah "What are you doing here?"


Life Lesson #6
(Walking and Partnering Together)

So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. (1 Kings 19:19 NLT)

If we feel overwhelmed often it is because we are taking on more than we can handle for we are operating independent from those God has placed beside us.  Our life extends as far and long as those who we choose to walk together with.


Life Lesson #7
(Death of Ahab)

“So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. “Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD’s sight. So now the LORD says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! I am going to destroy your family as I did the family of Jeroboam son of Nebat and the family of Baasha son of Ahijah, for you have made me very angry and have led Israel into sin.’ (1 Kings 21:20-22 NLT)

We must continue to confront wrong until God has had His way.


Life Lesson #8
(Elijah passing on his mantle to Elisha)

“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven.
Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. (2 Kings 2:10-11, 13 NLT)

A mantle can only be given to those who walk closely with another during difficult times.

No comments:

Post a Comment