(July 20, 2020)
“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.”
– I Kings 19:3
In I Kings 18, Elijah had one of the best moments of his life. He stood alone and faced “four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”
That is 850 to 1. The Lord was with Elijah. All the way through chapter 18 until verse 43 the power of God was upon Elijah. And Elijah was bold.
Now fast-forward a mere three verses. Elijah is no longer facing 850 men; now it is 1 woman. And Elijah is full of fear.
Oftentimes it seems that someone’s greatest act of faith is almost immediately followed by their biggest moment of doubt. Such as Elijah here. Or Abraham (compare Genesis 15:6 with 15:8 two verses later. And 17:17).
Grand success almost immediately followed by great failure. Virtually no time passes in between the two. …Why do you think that is?
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The Scriptures are so absorbing. If you read it for yourself, a whole new world will open up. There are so many “hooks” as we read – hooks that invite, lure us, and draw us in.
So why the contrast between the faith and doubt in Elijah et al? Instead of me giving “the answer” – what do you think? The best part of reading scripture is when you ask your own questions (cf. Hebrews 5:11-14).
So let the scripture hook you, draw you in, then ask the Lord and you tell me what He gives you.
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Father, thank You for the joy of your Word.
Draw us in, and teach us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.