September 8 Supernatural Signs

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.