Mysty PfefferMy thoughts on Pricilla Shirer’s Elijah Study for Week 4
As we enter week four of our Elijah study, we finally get to the climax of Elijah’s life, the battle of Mt Carmel. There is no battle when a false deity is up against God, but in their tiny minds, they think there is. He has survived the trickle of water in Cherith and the humbleness of being fed by ravens. Listening further to the command of God, he goes to the pagan widow of Zarephath for an extended stay. A place where the oil jug does not run dry and the flour jar is never empty.
There is a pattern of provision that cannot be missed in these scenarios. It is an overflow of God’s presence for those who place their trust in Him. At the beginning of chapter 17, Elijah is speaking to Ahab and promises, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, I stand before Him, and there will be no dew or rain during these years except by my command!”
At the beginning of Elijah chapter 18, we see the Lord come to Elijah in the third year of this drought. He says, “Go and present yourself to Ahab. I will send rain on the surface of the land.” So, Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. (Elijah 18:1-2) Along the way, he meets Obadiah, Ahab’s man in charge of the palace, which greatly fears the Lord. Obadiah recognizes Elijah and warns him of the search party sent out to find the prophet Ahab despises and blames the famine in the land.
Elijah assures Obadiah he will not be carried off by the Lord’s Spirit and put him in danger. So, Obadiah tells Ahab to meet Elijah. Ahab says, “Is that you, you destroyer of Israel?” Elijah replies, “I have not destroyed Israel, but you and your father’s house have because you have abandoned the LORD’S commands and followed the Baals. (vs. 18). Elijah instructs Ahab to summon all 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah and ALL of Israel to meet at Mount Carmel.
Please take a moment to reread 1 Kings Chapter 18 to experience this moment in history fully.
As all the people gather, Elijah confronts them about hesitating (wavering, bouncing back and forth) between following God and worshipping Baal (who is Satan and all he stands for). The people of Israel are silent. They know the depth of their depravity, and they have no answer. Like many Christians in the world today, they are ruled by governmental authorities who will kill them in an instant for daring to worship the One true God.
It’s a powerful tug of war on their hearts, fear of God or fear of those who can harm the body. Jesus says, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mathew 10:28).
What Happens When We Sacrifice Our Scant Supply?
A picture of Israel’s gaunt faces and emaciated bodies comes to mind as they listen and watch this showdown with anticipation. I hear bellies grumbling as the battle extends beyond the morning and into the evening. The failure of Baal to appear is no surprise to them; he has failed to bring rain upon the land for the last three years. They watch as Elijah takes his turn and orders four gallons of their scarce water supply to be poured upon what could have been a source of food for many.
In this scene, another theme emerges as God’s plan to end the drought comes to fruition– you give your scant supply, and God will return it in abundance. Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Mathew 6:38).
Sacrificing her scant supply is something the widow had to do also. Do you ever wonder why it is something Christians are afraid to do today? Unlike starving people, distracted by dry, parched tongues and empty bellies, we have plenty to give from our opulence. It is not food and water we lack; it is something far more devastating. Christians today are starving spiritually.
Jesus Offers More
Jesus has the answer for that spiritual starvation. He offered himself as a living sacrifice to bear the full wrath of God for our sin and salvation. He tells the Samaritan woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again, ever! In fact, the water I give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life (John 4:13-14).
Israel witnesses the fire of God fall upon the sacrifice Elijah offers. As it licks up all the dripping water and the full trench, as well as the bull offered, they fall facedown and say, “Yahweh, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). In a little while, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and there was a downpour (vs. 45). All of Israel sees the abundant return of rain after proof of who the One true God is. Cemented into the minds of the people is the cost of turning away from God.
True Contentment and Satisfaction
It is the same with us. Undo spiritual suffering permeates our thinking year after year because our focus is in the wrong place. We put career, family, entertainment, and food above God in the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Yet, none of these things offer the contentment, peace, or satisfaction placing God first in our lives does.
My friend, we can remedy that today! Jesus says, “If you, then who are evil, give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? (Luke 11:13). When we humble ourselves before Him, turn away from the distractions of this world and follow Him, Jesus offers more than what we ask.
References:
The Holman Christian Standard Bible. Biblegateway.com
