Following an Exciting God (part 3)
September 26th 2008
We pick up the story of Elijah in 1 KINGS Ch 19 v 7 with a defeated Elijah running for his life and asleep in the desert. Many Christians share this experience where they come to the end of their own strength and literally quit. It is important to see that this isn't the end of Elijah and we need to pay attention to how God responds to those who feel they have nothing left to give.
- Elijah was given food to strengthen him for the moment and the future. God will provide.
- 40 days in the desert must have given Elijah plenty of time to do some soul searching. However, when he meets God he twice says "I have always done my best... but your people". Elijah was not responsible for the responses of the people and neither are we.
- Elijah had a very personal encounter with God, yet he remained unchanged. A religious experience is no guarantee of a changed life.
- Elijah had seen his share of the dramatic and the wind, earthquake and fire add to these experiences. But God wanted to meet with him in the still and quiet.
- God's response gave Elijah very little to do. God was teaching Elijah to be a servant, but to leave the responsibility to Him.
These were turbulent times for Israel. Elijah felt he was the only one left, but God had reserved 7000 people. This remnant is the key group to belong to. Church numbers ebb and flow, but God sets some apart who will remain faithful to Him. We need to ensure we are in this group.