People Series: Elijah, the Passionate Prophet
Elijah was a prophet used mightily by God. He entered the world at a time when Israel was going through a spiritual famine.
I'd like to share only two insights from his life for your edification.
Be the Voice in the Wilderness
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. (1 Kings 18:21)
God brought Elijah in a time where Israel was going through a spiritual famine. The present king had gone against God and set up the worship of Baal (1Kings 18:18). The people of Israel were divided because they were forced to make a choice by their king between the living God and Baal, an idol.
What a terrible state for anyone to be in having known the Living God, Almighty Saviour, King of kings. Many Christians today are living the 'American Dream' (The Good Life) rather than the Godly Life found in Christ alone. A (Godly) life that pursues the heart of God, where Christ is all in all. We are in a wilderness journey and one of the greatest enemy for believers is the comfort and convenience of life. In one word, MONEY (Matthew 6:24).
Christians need to awaken first before trying to "change the world", or "stand up for the helpless". I put them in quotes because these sound good for those who are of the world. God called us to be the light, not change the world. It's not one and the same.
We are called to live by faith come what may. Be ready to be persecuted or killed when forced to go against the Word of God. Understanding fully well that to live is Christ and to die is gain for every believer. What the Christian world needs today is a reality check on what being Jesus to the world really means. We are called to walk in love, as we wait upon God (IN PRAYER) to fight our battles for us.
Guard Your Heart
And Elijah was afraid and arose and ran for his life, and he came to Beersheba which belongs to Judah, and he left his servant there. But he himself traveled a day’s journey into the wilderness, and he came and sat down under a juniper tree and asked [God] that he might die. He said, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:3,4)
God had won a great victory for Israel, destroying the evil and wicked prophets of Baal. It was also a great testament of Elijahs' devotion and surrender, his passion for God's work. What made Elijah run for his life? He was used by God to bring fire out of heaven and burn the sacrifice. Yet, he fled when he was threatened by a wicked woman (Queen Jezebel, wife of King Ahab). Fear gripped his heart when he heard Jezebel's message that she was going to kill him.
Elijah went into a depression, which led to him having suicidal thoughts. He wanted to die. Fortunately for him, being a man of God, he sought God in his terrible state of mind and heart. God refreshed him and led him to an even greater victory.
Elijah was a man of like passions (James 5:17). We too must learn from Elijah's life as practicing believers to guard our heart and not fear the deceptive roar of the devil (1 Peter 5:8).
Where there is fear there is no faith. Faith is produced by Love.
Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Where there is fear, there is a torment. The anointing of Love given to us, the gift of the Holy Spirit, strengthens us when we submit ourselves in the presence of God.