September 17

Qualified

1 Kings 19:19-21 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, "Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you." And he said to him, "Go back again, for what have I done to you?" 21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.

ELISHA seems to have been a regular farmer, doing his work until Elijah anointed him into his prophetic ministry. This should not surprise us. After all, since the dawn of creation, God's pattern has been to anoint ordinary people to do his extraordinary work. We can go back to Adam and Eve, to whom God gave the work to have dominion over the earth. Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (In light of the first couple's sin, we forget the magnificent mandate with which our Lord blessed them. Oh, the lost opportunity to experience God's joy!) From there God called such people as Noah, Abram, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Rahab, Gideon, Deborah, David, Mary, Peter, James, John, Paul and you to do his work.

           Yes, you are in that list of God's anointed if you confess your sins before God and call on the name of Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You are anointed to be a child of the Living God. You are anointed to love God and to love others. 

           Yes, you are an ordinary person whom God has qualified into an extraordinary and eternal anointing. The Holy Spirit has acted throughout history to qualify each chosen man and woman in the Holy Spirit's power. He acts today to empower you to know and live into an effective life for Jesus.

           Believe this and live in the joy of your salvation. I pray you never disqualify yourself from being a disciple of Jesus with such words as, "I'm not smart enough." "I'm not good enough." "I'm not willing." "I'm not able." "My sin is too large." No persons in the past or in the present has the knowledge, strength, will, ability and purity to answer God's anointing on their own. It is God's power to call and qualify us.

           Live into your anointed faith life. Know God. Serve God. Help others do the same. Live into the joy of your salvation.

Prayer: Thank you, Spirit, for anointing me to believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Turn my heart to truly love you daily. In Jesus' name, amen.

September 16

To His Purpose

1 Kings 19:15-17 And the Lord said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. 17 And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. 18  Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." 

WE see now the first reference to Elisha, Elijah's successor in God's mission to call Israel to repentance. But before Elijah anoints Elisha, he has other anointing to do.

           It was common for prophets to anoint kings of Israel and Judah. But Elijah's assignment is to anoint Hazael to be a king from Damascus - a foreign power. The reason for this is that God will use Hazael to lead an army of judgment against Israel during Elisha's ministry. In a like manner, Elisha will anoint Jehu, a commander in Ahab's army, to purge evil from Israel. He will destroy Jezebel, Ahab's sons and prophets of false gods in the Lord's justice over sin.

           With his assignments to Elijah, God is telling Elijah to stay faithful to his calling. God is reminding Elijah that it is he, the Lord, who has control over his people. Elijah has been a faithful messenger. He has done what God has commanded him to do. But the ultimate results are not in Elijah's power. It is the Lord who causes all things to work for his glory.

           After God has expressed his purpose for judgment, he closes his words to Elijah with hope. He assures Elijah there is a remnant of people who have stood strong and firm for the Lord. The Word of the Lord through Elijah and others has taught the faithful in Israel to fear and obey the Lord. Elijah is no, as he has assumed, alone for God in Israel.

           God always does this. He tells us of our sin. He administers judgment to those who do not repent. He saves those who confess their sins and their faith in God. We can live in this hope. It may seem evil is closing in around us from all sides, but be encouraged that the Lord is on his throne. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in this beautiful passage from Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

           Be faithful. Be true to God's Word. He will reward you now and forever.

Prayer: Lord God, we know you will destroy evil. Thank you for preserving your faithful to do your good work. In Jesus' name, amen.

September 15

Whispered Grace

1 Kings 19:11-14 And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13 And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14 He said, "I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." 

HERE we see God's grand holiness and his gentle gracious love. As Elijah approached God, we must remember his life as a mortal, sinful man was in danger. God had demonstrated his holy, fearful majesty to Moses and Israel in Exodus 19:18-19 Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. 19 And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. And see also in Exodus 20:18 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off.

    God had also warned Moses and Israel in Exodus 33:20 "But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live."  To protect Moses and Israel from his holy glory, our Lord graciously covered Moses with his hand. And he gave specific instructions to Israel on how to approach him in worship and sacrifice.

    Note now in this passage that the wind, earthquake and fire are again signs to  Elijah. To preserve his life,  Elijah covers his face against the wind, earthquake and fire. But as a loving Father, God does not come from this power demonstration. God is not there to overwhelm Elijah. He is there to care to love on this man.

    The Lord God Almighty graciously comes, instead, in a low whisper. He comes as a Counselor to hear Elijah's heartache. He comes to strengthen and lift up his anointed prophet to new faith and courage.  God has more for him to do.

    When you open your Bible, know that God's Book exists because God is gracious to make a way for you to come to him. We cannot see God in our sin and live. Born into sin, we can only know and see God as we are saved in the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus came that we may stand one day in God's holy presence to not be afraid but to rejoice and be glad! Remember Jesus' words in his Kingdom message from Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

   

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you have made a way for me to eternally be in your holy presence. Amen.

1 Kings 19:10 Elijah said, "I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."

WHAT does Elijah mean that he has been "jealous for the Lord"? This is a word we do not use as we speak of our relationship with Jesus, is it? But perhaps it should be.

               The basic Hebrew language meaning of "jealous" is "zealous" and "passionate". Elijah is telling God that he has been passionate to uphold the name of the Lord amid the pagan worship of Israel. Elijah's life's purpose in the time God had called him was to hold on tightly to God's commandments, so the people of Israel would know the truth. As we have seen, Elijah has entered into a great battle against Ahab, Jezebel and hundreds of idolatrous prophets.

               Elijah's jealousy for God, his zeal to hold on to God's truth, is what we are called to do for Jesus Christ and his church today. A personal zeal for God is to be passionate to pursue him. You demonstrate jealousy for God when you put him first before other relationships and other tasks. You are jealous for God when you stand firm in a conversation with someone who negates the Lord or speaks flippantly of Heaven and hell. You are jealous for God when you lead your children and grandchildren to know him. You do not want them to be involved in false faiths or no faith at all. You must jealously pray for those you love to be safe with Jesus.

               Elijah could say he was jealous for God because he passionately told of God to Israel. Can you say you are jealous for Jesus because you passionately, lovingly share the Good News of his salvation?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, give my heart a great passion for you. Help me to lead many to know you. In Jesus' name, amen.   

1 Kings 19: 9 There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

WHAT is your emotional response when you read God's question to Elijah? Certainly the all-knowing God knows exactly why Elijah is there on the mountain. We have seen the Lord strengthen Elijah to enable the prophet to meet with him. Why then, does God ask the question?

    One of the words for God is Counselor. It is a word used to define God's Savior in Isaiah 9:6(b) "and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Jesus defines the Holy Spirit as a Counselor (also Comforter, Helper) in several places as he does here in John 14:26 "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

    There on Mt. Horeb that day, God opened the conversation as a counselor. He gave Elijah the opportunity to talk. The Counselor God wanted to hear his prophet speak to him of his heartache, his frustrations, his questions and his hopes. God gave this weary Elijah the opportunity to speak his needs to the One who had called him to the huge task of ministering his Word and confronting evil in Israel.

    Even more, we can be sure God also wanted Elijah to confess. Remember, God had used Elijah to win a great battle against Baal's prophets in Israel. But instead of claiming victory in Israel, Elijah fearfully and faithlessly ran from Jezebel. Elijah also needed to confess how he had desired to die. In two ways, Elijah had put aside his faith in God. It's time now for Elijah to say, "I have sinned. Forgive me, Lord."    

    We must know that unconfessed sins will weigh us with heavy burdens. Sin upon sin becomes too much to bear. We become depressed. We want to let go of life rather than repent and be refreshed in God's true love and forgiveness. Hiding our sins from God wearies the heart and soul.

    God came to care for Elijah that day. He asked Elijah to speak his heart and to confess his sins.

Prayer: Grant us humility, submission and faith, Lord, to confess our sins and be purified in Jesus' redeeming blood. Amen.     

September 11

Restoring Journey

1 Kings19:6-8 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you." 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.

DO you see what the Lord has done? Once again, for the seventh time, God went to Elijah to save his life. Even more, the Lord strengthened his prophet to continue his journey. Elijah hadn't prayed, "Save me, Lord." Nor had he pleaded, "Deliver me from my enemies." Elijah had only said hopelessly, "I want to die." But God didn't listen to Elijah. The sovereign Lord, in response, moved to revive and strengthen Elijah.

    Note, too, God was giving Elijah strength for a considerable journey. For 40 days Elijah would walk to Horeb (or Sinai), which is the mountain where God met with Moses. This is the place where Israel saw God's glory and feared God. This is the place where the law was given. Elijah is about to meet with the holy God. He needs physical and spiritual nourishment.

    In a manner similar to his superhuman run from Mount Hermon to Jezreel (see 1 Kings 18:46) God has now supplied Elijah with the strength to walk 40 days to Mt. Horeb. Elijah is now prepared for the journey.

    How have you seen God strengthen you - even if you didn't ask him to do so? In my own experience, I have seen his hand countless times to care for me physically and spiritually when I hadn't considered asking him. Oftentimes, I didn't want to ask him. I was too tired, too self-focused or too busy to seek the Lord's nourishing power. I had other plans or no particular plan. One doesn't seek to know God when we'd rather say, "No, God."

    But when I look back to see myself "then" and I look to see who I am "now" I can scarcely believe I am the same person. I recall the days when I didn't even go to church. Why bother? Certainly I could control my life, couldn't i? But God came even when I didn't ask him to do so. Now I minister the Word around the globe. I pause and ask, "Who me? Is this really me? Really, God?"

    When I'm tired or very sure no one is listening, it is common for God to step in and strengthen me with a voice from one of you who says, "I needed to hear what you wrote today." He will work his strengthening power in my soul when I'm tired of low vision that restricts my life. He will put people around me to pray for me. The faithful God raises me up to walk always and ever more closely to him. When I go and look for him, I always find him waiting for me.

    Elijah will go to the mountain and find God waiting for him. I pray it is the same for you.

Prayer: Lord God, strengthen your weary that they will rise in joy to meet with you. In Jesus' name, amen.

September 10

Empty

1 Kings 19:4-5 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers." 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, "Arise and eat."

WITH Jezebel's promises to kill him ringing in his ears (And we can assume Ahab did nothing to stop his evil wife.) Elijah fled Israel for the desert. He has no idea if any pursue him. He only believes there is no one in Israel he can trust. And it's true. We always act into what we believe whether our beliefs are true or false.

           Elijah apparently believed all his work had been in vain. His actions tell us he was certain to wonder, "Has anything I've done in God's power caused any single difference in Israel?" Saying, "I'm no better than my fathers." Elijah negates his prophetic role. He feels he has been unable to make any difference for the Lord. Elijah is self-focused. Elijah is depressed. His belief caused him to be alone. He is physically depleted. Even worse, the prophet is spiritually dry. He's lost hope. He is ready to die.

           Elijah's emotions have been and are very present in many people who work in various ministries. The Bible speaks of Moses' and Jonah's emotional struggles, for example, as they see the ongoing sin around them. We see John the Baptist wonder about his own ministry as he sits in Herod's jail. We know the Apostle Peter returned to his fishing boats after he had denied the Christ. Missionaries and ministers today often look at their work and wonder, "Did I do any good?" Many quit their work, weakened from their view of empty harvest fields, unchanged hearts and passion-killing criticism.

           What are God's anointed to do in their distress? How do they raise up their downcast eyes and keep sin from crouching at their door (Genesis 4)? What do we do when our efforts for Christ seem to be for naught?

           The first thing we are to do in those empty times is to stop and see the "broom trees" of our lives. The broom tree is a tall tree God created to grow in the desert. It gives shade from the sun and shelter from rains and wind. Under a broom tree, an empty traveler could be refreshed. Elijah stopped under the broom tree to die, but God sent an angel to begin to restore Elijah to his ministry.  

           You, too, in the emptiness you may be feeling, can go to God's shelter. Rest in him and rest with him. Consume his Word. Recall Jesus' great suffering for you. Remember his love. Rejoice in his salvation. Be mindful that you can't control others' responses to God. You can, though, lift up your eyes and see his great strength come to care for you.   

Prayer: Lord God, teach us to be aware of the many ways you care for us. In Jesus' name, amen.

1 Kings 19:1-3 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." 3 Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

ELIJAH has been on a deliberate faith journey toward a powerfully intimate relationship with the Lord God. In 1 Kings 17-18, we have witnessed six ways God has protected Elijah from harm and given to Elijah a great victory over sin in Israel. But now, faced with Jezebel's hateful promise to destroy him, Elijah retreats.

           What's happened? Has Elijah suddenly lost his faith in God? How can a man so powerfully anointed to do God's work quit his work so quickly? On our journey through 1 Kings 19, we will see Elijah, anointed with superhuman power, come to a point in his life when he struggles in his humanity. As all of us do, this highly regarded prophet sinned. Perhaps he thinks the Lord has used up his ability to protect Elijah. Maybe Elijah is emotionally tired from the stress of battle. Likely, he's just plain afraid of Jezebel's passionate promise to kill him. Surely he took his eyes from God and stared too intently into the evil menace.

           Oh, how easy it is to be afraid. People and circumstances catch us off guard. They quickly threaten our peace and faith. We cast doubt toward God, wondering "Are you there, Lord? Will you be there tomorrow, Lord? I know you said you'd stand by me, but will you really, God? Can I truly put my hope and peace in you?" When things go wrong, our sin nature too often directs us to look the wrong way.

           What threatens you today? Cast your eyes away from your trouble and onto the Lord God. If you have struggled for some time with an issue, gaze even more intently toward the Lord. Seek his face. Get close to him. Pray with a good friend. Read his Scripture. Find good recordings of the Bible and listen to the spoken Word. Listen to Christ-centered music. One suggestion is a song "In Your Presence" sung by Paul Wilbur. Find peace, hope and strength in God's presence.

           Walk with God. Elijah is not a good example here. He wants run and hide. God has more for him to do. The same is true for you.

Prayer: My Father in Heaven, give me faith to find peace in your presence. I put my hand in yours to walk with you. In Jesus' name, amen.

1 Kings 18:46 The power of the Lord came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

GOD acts to give Elijah super-human powers. In a manner similar to the Exodus plagues, the donkey speaking to Balaam (Numbers 22:28) and the Jericho walls tumbling down (Joshua 6), God disrupts his own laws that govern his creation. For what purpose might God had given to Elijah such speed as to outrun Ahab's chariot from Mount Hermon to Jezreel?

    The reason, it seems, is the same reason God acted through nature in the other examples cited. Elijah's speed is another sign to Israel that God's power is controlling Elijah's life. This is the sixth time God supernaturally acts to protect and/or to empower his prophet. The Almighty God supersedes the idolatrous worship, destroys its evil intent and makes his majesty known. God's purpose is to convict Ahab and Israel that he is the God to fear, to worship, to love and to obey. This knowledge is the only way they will be saved.

    Through the centuries God gave miraculous signs to his people, so they would know his great power to bless them and to care for them. But for centuries they ignored him, even when he came in the person of Jesus Christ. The Jews always asked for signs, but many refused to believe the signs - even Jesus' resurrection.

    Does God offer signs to you? Does he supply your needs? Does he bring rains in the summer and snow in the winter? Does the sun rise every morning? Do the storms come and go? Are you alive? Have you looked at the night sky and its countless stars lately? Have you read the Holy Bible? Do you see the empty cross and the empty tomb?

Prayer: O Lord, thank you for your countless signs of your existence, your compassion, your holiness and your love. Grant to me an open heart to receive the signs of your sovereign power and your loving salvation. In Jesus' name, amen.