JANUARY 13, 2025
Topic: “BEYOND SERVICE AND MIRACLES”
Text: 1 Kings 19:1-18
Memory Verse: “I have had enough, Lord, he said. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4b
Elijah was one of the most powerful prophets who ever lived. He was known for unique manifestations of God’s power in His ministry, shutting the heavens to keep rain from falling for over three years and calling for rain to fall again and it does, and restoring a dead person to life. He called down fire from heaven and God sent down fire in response to his prayer. These and more show how much God honoured Elijah’s prayers.
Despite these powerful miracles through Elijah however, he was still so incredibly human, showing vulnerability like other mortal men. We see this side of him in our text, as he ran for his life at the threat of Jezebel shortly after a major victory against the prophets of Baal. He lay down under a tree in utter despair, asking God to kill him. He was not ashamed or afraid to speak to God sincerely about how he felt. He opened himself to God and showed his frustration and vulnerability. These things most importantly, show that the prophet had an intimate relationship with God and could lay bare before Him.
When Elijah stood on the mountain waiting for God’s next set of instructions to him, three powerful things happened. First, a powerful wind tore the mountain apart, shattering the rocks, then an earthquake followed and then fire. The prophet was used to these powerful manifestations in his walk with God. After these, there was a gentle whisper. Though quite soft, Elijah recognised this whisper to be of God; the volume did not diminish the glory and majesty of God before Him. That he recognised this whisper shows that he had come to a personal Knowledge of God out of an intimate relationship with Him.
We do have moments of sadness, loneliness, fatigue, and discouragement; and in those moments, it is good for us to stand before God, bask in His presence and listen to Him speak heartily to us. Remember, miracles and ministry are all about God and intimacy with Him is far above them.
PRAYER: Lord, I truly want much more of you than miracles and service, in Jesus’ name, Amen.