Heroes of the Faith Series |
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Elijah—Bold, Faithful, and Triumphant
If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.
(1 Kings 18:21)
The dramatic life of the prophet Elijah was extraordinary in so many ways. According to the Scriptures, Elijah was one of three men who went forty days and forty nights without food and water (the other two were Jesus and Moses), one of only two men who never died (the other was Enoch), the only man who ascended to heaven in a chariot pulled by three fiery horses, the only Old Testament prophet who was prophesied to return, and one of only two men to appear with Jesus at the transfiguration (the other was Moses).
One of Elijah's strongest attributes was his bold and passionate faith in God, demonstrated by the way he learned, spoke, and lived.
Learn It! Elijah was a quick learner. As a prophet of God, he had to be. And the widow whose son was revived by Elijah acknowledged this quickness when she said, Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth (1 Kings 17:24).
Speak It! Elijah was not afraid to confront the people of Israel on Mount Carmel. He boldly told them, How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him (1 Kings 18:21). Elijah fearlessly exhorted the people to choose whom they would serve!
Live It! The ultimate test of faith for Elijah was following through with his challenge to the prophets of Baal. He did so alone and in front of all Israel and of Baal’s prophets. Elijah knew that only God could answer the prophets, and so he confidently drew near to the Lord and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again (1 Kings 18:25-27).
The Lord blessed Elijah’s faithfulness and the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench (1 Kings 18:38).
Elijah bravely stood in the gap as God’s ambassador during one of the most corrupt chapters of Israel’s history. May we learn from Elijah’s boldness and ask the Lord for courage to confront evil and compromise in our day.
Discussion Question: What are some ways that you can follow Elijah’s example and take a more courageous stand for God today?
Memory Verse: …and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:19-20).
Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith and give me the boldness of Elijah that I might stand in the gap for you, regardless of the circumstances around me.
All quotations from Scripture are taken from the New King James Version.
Devotional written by Mark Rasche
Illustration by Jonathan Chong
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