Bible Men: Elijah: A Man of like Passions as We Are

And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 1Ki 17:1  

The God Before Whom I Stand

Elijah means “Jehovah is God.” Here is a prophet who was fully clothed in God.

Paul wrote of the believer as having his loins girt about with truth, his breastplate adorned with righteousness, his feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; his head covered with the helmet of salvation, and his hand gripping the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Such then is the image of a believer, of one who prays “always with all prayer” (Eph 6:14-18).   

Such is the seriousness of the matter, especially where life is involved. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12). 

Whereas a non-believer sees fate in the matters of life, a believer sees prophecy. So Elijah could boldly say ‘but according to my word.’ The joy of the LORD is a believer’s strength.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isa 54:17  

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psa 91:2 

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Psa 34:7  

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Pro 18:10  

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:31 

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2Co 4:8-9  

We have been chosen. Called to be saints. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” That’s a great privilege. That’s the mark of a great love. And pray how can one simply impugn such a great gift?

Knowing your God is Important

Paul called our faith a “high calling.” That’s not saying it’s esoteric, or that which is only understood by a few. It’s not the education but faith.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph 2:19-22 

 And this is the LORD God of Israel before whom we stand.

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. Joh 6:68  

Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Psa 73:25  

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psa 16:11  

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. Psa 17:15  

Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Psa 43:4  

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Psa 63:3  

For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? Psa 89:6  

 The Privilege of a Vision

Elijah delivered the word of God to Ahab and it took effect immediately. The just shall live by faith.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Heb 11:13 

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Heb 11:14-16  

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. Heb 11:29  

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. Heb 11:30 

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;  (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Heb 11:33-40

 

I felt your love brethren. It was a balm. Thanks and God bless!