Elijah
Open Your Bible
1 Kings 18:1-46, Proverbs 20:22
BY Kaitlin Wernet
You’re probably familiar with Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” which ends with these infamous lines: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference” (18–20).
It’s a work I’ve always loved, but I also have a few follow-up questions for Mr. Frost, like “Would you still feel the same way if the path less traveled had ended in a ditch?” and “If you’d gotten lost, wouldn’t you wish you’d taken the one more traveled by?”
I don’t know the answers to either question, but I do know that decision-making is hard. For every road not taken, there’s a path we regret choosing, or a journey we still long to take. And it’s mostly because, like Frost says, our choices really do make all the difference. (No pressure, right?)
As they gathered at Mount Carmel, Elijah asked the people of Israel to make a choice between God and Baal: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21).
Let’s take a step back here for a moment and remind ourselves that we have the unique privilege of holding the Old and New Testaments together as the true story of redemption. The Israelites did not. So while it may be tempting to focus on Elijah’s obedience or the Baal prophets’ doubt, there’s a much larger story at play here.
First, God gives us what we need to trust in Him. The Israelites didn’t need more research, proof, or signs; God had provided a means of knowing Him, and they just had to believe. Although, as decision makers, we are indecisive and imperfect, God is steady and perfect. He does not wrestle with or question His own decision making. He stays true to His character, and He is always on the side of both justice and love.
Things get a little intense in the test between God and Baal, but when Baal’s people call his name only to receive no response, it’s clear that God is the one true God. He answers not only with a display of power, but with an invitation for His people to return to Him. He is always calling His children back home. And regardless of whether we choose the path less or frequently traveled, we can rest assured we will not be choosing alone.
20 thoughts on "Elijah"
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Elijah is hiding. The time has come. Elijah, (with his assistant)
There has been Elijah challenges Ahab’s prays and asks God for rain.
no rain. prophets of Baal to a duel 7 times the assistant checks
Ahab & Jezebel of sacrifices… before he sees a cloud the size of
are hostile. Baal is shot down, Elijah’s hand.
God reigns supreme. Elijah sends word to Ahab that
a storm is coming and then
outruns Ahab’s chariot to JezreelThe above looked totally different on my computer. I had the parts spread out over a timeline… the order should be:
Elijah is hiding. There has been no rain. Ahab & Jezebel are hostile.
Elijah challenges prophets of Baal to a duel of sacrifices… Baal is shot down, God reigns supreme.
The time has come. Elijah, (with his assistant) prays and asks God for rain. 7 times the assistant checks before he sees a cloud the size of Elijah’s hand.
Elijah sends word to Ahab that a storm is coming and then outruns Ahab’s chariot to JezreelSorry, it looked really cool on my computer and helped me, I’m sorry I didn’t check how it would appear to you all.
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Elijah is hiding. The time has come. Elijah, (with his assistant)
There has been Elijah challenges Ahab’s prays and asks God for rain.
no rain. prophets of Baal to a duel 7 times the assistant checks
Ahab & Jezebel of sacrifices… before he sees a cloud the size of
are hostile. Baal is shot down, Elijah’s hand.
God reigns supreme. Elijah sends word to Ahab that
a storm is coming and then
outruns Ahab’s chariot to JezreelI created this type of timeline because I need to remember that I need to trust the timing to God.
While the power of the Lord was on Elijah, it does not mean everything was easy.
1 Kings 18 starts, “After a long time” – Elijah had been in a difficult situation – for a long time, not because he had done anything wrong. All but 100 hidden prophets of God had been killed. The country was without rain, and there was a great famine. Everyone was suffering and on edge.
Elijah summons Ahab because, God has declared it is decision time.
Yea!!! God makes the decision very easy for the people of Israel and they turn back to God. Ahab does not. Following this tremendous display from God, Elijah finds himself with his head between his knees petitioning God to open the skies and provide rain. Six times he prayed without result. The seventh time, finally, there is a hand-size cloud. In faith Elijah declares the rain has come…and it did.
Then Elijah’s legs outrun Ahab’s chariot to shelter.I am in a situation that has been difficult – for a long time. I believe we are at the place where the fire has consumed the water soaked alter. But the choice to obey the Lord or not still belongs to individuals. I find myself with my head between my knees praying for a rain cloud, even the size of a fist. When God sends it, (and I will keep asking and believing He will,) I too will sprint to the shelter in anticipation of God’s cleansing rain.
I agree Churchmouse, there comes a time when we can no longer straddle the fence.
Standing for what we believe, after seeking the face of God diligently, may be difficult (for a long time…) but, there will come a time, as we remain faithful, that God shows himself in a mighty way. There will come a time when a tiny speck of His power will draw close and supply us with the cleansing, nourishing, refreshment our souls have cried out for in the situation. I pray that time is soon (for my heart is breaking) but, if not…head between my knees before the Lord I will pray for His time, His answer, His honor. I pray I see the healing in my lifetime but if not, I will continue to hold to the promise of God and cry out for His comfort and peace to my broken heart.
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Oh Angie. I so resonate with this. Thank you for sharing your heart. I too will wait, and pray like Elijah, for the rain to come.
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Thank you Shawn great words and I am with you in wondering how many times have I have not stepped up and clung to the things that do not honor God. I have always loved this bible story. It makes my heart happy that God’s fire consumes, licks up even the water. He instaneously reveals His power and destroys the man created baal. I pray my faith, my trust can be like Elijah’s and God can be glorified in it. Press on ladies and know He reigns!
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Yes He does!
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Thank you Shawn for your vulnerability and truth. And AMEN!
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The image of hobbling, cutting themselves, blood gushing according to their custom—- at first glance I found myself shaking my head at the foolishness of these prophets of these false gods and, as I frequently do, sighing over the wayward hearts of Israel. After all, hadn’t they seen God act miraculously on their behalf time and time again? But then, I looked closer—to be honest, I almost missed it—what I saw there on the page made my heart shudder—it was me. Knowing the true God, seeing him act miraculously on my behalf time and time again—still I hobble when I attempt to dance, I cut myself and spill out all that God has given me—all “according to their custom”. When I look closely, I see that like the Israelites, I am drawn back to the customs of this world more than I readily admit. I act foolishly, cause my own scars by the choices I make, and I put the precious gift of God which is life away from the core of my spirit to gain the acceptance of a world where no one notices or pays attention. I distract myself with all manner of customs: self-righteousness, materialism, pride, gossip, greed, self absorption—clearly making a fool of myself because the only effect of all of my attempts to gain the attention of the world is met with silence. That is, except for the still small voice—the one I can’t hear when I am in the middle of my dancing and shouting— but the one who nevertheless calls me again and again and again—“Come back to me. I hear your cries. I will answer you. You are my beloved, and I am your God.”
Even in the writing of this as shame and regret overtook my spirit, I am overcome by peace and joy that His forgiveness covers every transgression and just as He hears every cry for attention, He hears every cry of repentance—-And. He. Acts.
Thank you, my God, for giving me eyes to see myself and ears to hear Your voice! Burn up and destroy every desire I have to gain the attention and acceptance of this world, and equip me to live for You and You alone, amen.-
Thank you for this perspective!
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Amen! My prayer today also.
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This hit home for me. I always look forward to your comments, Shawn!
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Well said. Thank you.
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Thank you Shawn! I fall in the same traps at times. I am truly thankful for our God!
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Thanks for sharing, and it’s just so true!
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“God gives us what we need to trust Him.” He already has, no more signs or wonders needed. And yet He answers prayers in my life and confirms His presence in myriad ways. But my heart wanders, my mind loses focus. Then He draws me back with His Word, with His presence, with impossibly answered prayers….Lord please make me steadfast as You have already given me all I need and more to trust You. Thank You Lord!
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Beautifully said, Kathryn! ❤️
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There comes a time when we can no longer straddle the fence. There comes a time when we can no longer dabble in the things of the world and also dabble in following Jesus. Dabbling is not pleasing to the Lord. Whole-hearted comittment is His desire. He pours forth daily blessings as proof of His love and care. He gave us His Word and keeps every promise. Yet, every day is a day of decision. Will we dabble today or not? The evidence of our allegiance is in the choices we make. Sobering thoughts this morning!
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Wow! What an awesome sight that would have been! God is all powerful, and they saw one display right there! Nothing is too hard for Him, Yet, even though we don’t deserve it, Kaitlin reminds us that He is always calling His children back home. Who can fathom a love like that? https://youtu.be/hem5JuLKiII
The link above is to a song called, Extravagant. That’s His love for us?
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