JUNE 11 READINGS...1 Kings 17:8-20:22
We see the first recorded miracles performed by Elijah, the Prophet of God. He made both the small amount of flour and oil that a widow had be more than sufficient to feed both Elijah and her family for many days. Later the woman’s son becomes very sick, and he died. Elijah took the boy and raised him back to life. The next thing we read is the contest on Mount Carmel between Elijah and the prophets of baal. It starts with Elijah visiting Ahab...Ahab calls Elijah the trouble maker of Israel, but Elijah made sure he knew that he and his ungodly wife were responsible for the trouble in Israel. Elijah meets the false prophets of baal on Mount Carmel and challenges them to call out to their god to send fire from heaven and consume the sacrifice on the altar. Of course, baal...who doesn’t exist could not meet the challenge. Elijah tells his servants to pour water on the altar, he then prays to God, and fire comes from heaven to consume the sacrifice, the water, and the altar...Elijah then kills the prophets of baal. Let this be a reminder to us today...we don’t have to fear false gods that do not exist...we just need to trust the one, true, and living God.
Elijah then calls an end to the famine in the land...he prays for rain, and a deluge comes. Jezebel was incensed when she heard what Elijah had done to her prophets...so she threatens to kill Elijah in 24 hours. Elijah flees...and is so overcome that he asks God to kill him, because he felt he was all alone. The Lord tells him that there are 7000 others in the land who have never worshiped baal. Another lesson for us...we are not alone, even if it feels that way. God always has His people, and although they will never be a majority...we don’t need to be, because the Spirit that is in we the remnant is greater than the spirit in this world. Elisha begins his ministry as Elijah’s assistant. Ahab gains victory over the Aramean army, but is warned that it was not to last one. Remember, those who are evil are always scheduled for defeat, for the Lord will have His victory.
Please share any thoughts you have.
TOMORROW’S READINGS...1 Kings 20:23-22:9 & 2 Chronicles 18:1-8
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