15/10/2022 - THE PROPHET ELIJAH

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Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.  Malachi 4.5

The prophet Elijah quoted here is not the man who faced the evil king Ahab and shamed him on Mount Carmel, when the people shouted that only the Lord is God (1 Kings 18.20-39). When there seemed to be no way for Israel to abandon the worship of the false god Baal, along comes this inhabitant of Gilead to shut the heavens and then, demoralize the god who could do nothing. The one mentioned in the key verse of this message points to the plan made, even before God began creation, the redemption of man from eternal damnation (1 Peter 1.18-20; Revelation 13.8b). 

Elijah showed courage in standing up to the man who had the Lord’s prophets killed. He was not yet a prophet, but a bold servant. He boldly sought the wicked monarch and told him that if he didn’t stop the false worship, there would be no dew or rain – until he, Elijah, allowed them to exist in that land again (1 Kings 17.1). Certainly, Ahab thought he was crazy, but he sought him out later! (1 Kings 18.7-10).

Whoever tastes God’s love must seek to know what mission the Most High has reserved for them, for no one comes into the world by chance. The worst tragedy occurs when the saved are not taught to seek the divine presence. Our churches cannot become clubs, where Christians go when they have nothing to do. They need to be the House of God, of prayer, which all people visit regularly – with love and faith (Isaiah 56.7).

If we fail to instruct the members of the Body of Christ about what God has for them, they will never find out for themselves. The church must be a living body, where the saved seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit and receive the knowledge that will make them victorious (Ephesians 5.15-21). The church is not a spiritual hospital, but rather – a maternity ward of the new birth. The saved need to be trained to be the Master’s successor, in order to do the work like Him (Ephesians 4.10-16).

We should not care about the opportunities offered by the world, but with the opportunities in the Kingdom of God, reserved for His faithful servants. Surely, everyone believes that Jesus spoke the pure truth. This is what He declared when He instructed His children how to proceed in life: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6.33). So, let us obey!

When the saved give God His due place, the world will know the difference between those who are of the Lord and those who play with faith. Let us never waste time or covet that which the lost seek. We know what the Most High will require of us. Then, if we are found wanting, like the servant who buried the talent and returned it intact, we will be sent into outer darkness (Matthew 25.30). Mercy!

In Christ, we are sent like Elijah, who brought the Good News and encouragement to the people who lived without knowing how to act, because of the foolishness of Ahab and Jezebel, the king’s wife. Elijah went to them and did the right thing. As a result, he was rewarded with the blessing of being taken to Heaven without dying (2 Kings 2.11). Believe in the Word of the Lord and prepare yourself, for you will be used by Him!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares