Charles Jefferson, an early 20th century preacher from NY, once declared: "The world is inexpressibly rich in courage, and at the same time the world is distressingly poor in courage. We are richly supplied with military courage, but we are deficient in civic courage. We can fight victoriously in the armor of Caesar, but we are awkward and helpless when it comes to fighting in the armor of God. The whole world is waiting for the development of a higher form of courage."
Elijah's lack of courage in crisis speaks to all of us who have ever faced an eclipse of courage precipitated by a lack of faith. The world is waiting to see real courage. So are our churches.
Peace, OKBob
The word of God came to Elijah with startling seriousness, "What are you doing here?"
Had he been completely frank, he might have responded that he felt out-numbered and awfully alone. the glory and passion of the great victory on Mt. Carmel were past, and now he couldn't face up to continuing to stand alone. Generally it is bearable to stand alone in the heat of battle, but it is another matter to carry the implications of one's victory out into the long grind of daily life.
Or, Elijah might have laid his case plainly before God and said he was feeling aorry for himself and had run out on his primary obligation. He was simply thrashing around in a bath of self-pity. E. Stanley Jones once said, "A self-pitying self is a pitiable self."
Or, he might have confessed he was so intent upon saving his own life that he had lost his perspective and become a deserter to his own cause. This wasn't his intention, but the concern for secondary matters blotted from his sight the vision of more vital and higher pursuits. He had succumbed to looking out for #1.
Which ever of these was the case, the verdict is the same: the prophet of courage became the victim of fear. Had his faith run out? Did his trust go into eclipse? Here we see how crucial faith is. Faith nourishes courage. And the courage that is bred and supported by faith declares lessons none of us dares to overlook.
Peace, OKBob
how can one preach on this text without guilt tripping people with a sense that they don't have enough faith and courage?
Wondering, in Iowa
how can one preach on this text without guilt tripping people with a sense that they don't have enough faith and courage?
Wondering, in Iowa
Why is guilt-tripping such a negative concept? Guilt may be a Holy Spirit breathed conviction of sin. It is only in the mind of the secularist, and those seeking to diminish concepts of sin, separation from God due to sin, and the need for repentance who want to make guilt a horrible thing.
Guilt can lead to a contrite heart seeking forgiveness. Forgiveness guaranteed in the person of Jesus Christ.
Methinks we ought to understand where this whole premise of guilt avoidance comes from, certainly not from God.
Guilt that lingers after accepting God's forgiveness might be a problem, but it could also be an indicator of continued willful sinning, something the Lord would want us to stop doing.
Rick in Va
1. In God's service there is no release from duty. Elijah's decision to quit Mt. Carmel and move to Mt. Horeb indicated that he felt his big job was completed and now he could join the inactive roll. But faith's vision is never so constricted nor limited. God does not give a piece of work for you or me to do and then let us off because somehow we've established sufficient credit in the ledger books of heaven. God shook Elijah out of his self-pity and lethargy and said, "Go and get on your way toward Damascus." In kingdom work no one can ever say, "I've done my share. Let someone else take over." Even Jesus Himself remarked, "I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following." (Luke 13:33)
2. In God's service, to have a name is not important. Elijah felt alone; there seemed to be no other name on the roster. Kings and princes seemed to be all on the other side. But God remeinded him, "There are 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed the knee to Baal." (v.18) But in the work of the kingdom, how few are content to remain anonymous and nameless and simply serve Jesus without praise and commendation. What gives qulaity to our service is the spirit in which it is done. What counts in God's economy is the input of people who do His will as they see and understand it. That is enough for them.
3. In God's service, to influence another is the highest form of service. There are people, like Elijah, who think they can be God's great servants in isolation. But the continuation of the causes of goodness depends upon one life touching another in community. Elijah's witness might have been terminated had he not gone out and laid his mantle upon his successor. (v.19) The story of Christianity in every community features names of persons who are partakers of the benefits of faith because somebody else brought them in.
Happy preaching, dear ones. I'm off to VBS to touch someone for Jesus.
Peace, OKBob
Date: 06 Aug 2002
Time: 07:36:50
This is a neat passage. God anointing on gentile king and jewish king and Elisha. Then remnant saved. This is prophetic passage. Anyone else here see the correllation to remnant left after tribulation. Pastor Mary in Ohio
Date: 08 Aug 2002
Time: 12:56:02
Notice that although Elijah thinks and feels he ALONE is left, God lets him know that there are 7,000 in Israel who have not worshipped Baal. Don't we all need such reminders at times? Peace, Pr. Carol in MN
Date: 10 Aug 2002
Time: 21:30:56
Three points strike me from this passage:
1) Even when we fell alone, God is there
2) What sign are we looking for? God spoke to Elijah in an unexpected still small voice. How do we look for God to speak to us?
3) Realizing God's fresh way of speaking... Elijah's focus is sharpened as to where is ministry is going. When we can recognize God's voice in a clear and fresh way, our focus is sharpened and we things in a new and fresh way