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ELIJAH
Prophet of God

Contents                                                    
Introduction                                                        
Elijah’s Boldness                    Ch.1                    
Endless Flour and Oil              Ch.2                    
Widow’s Son Dies                  Ch.3                    
Belief Is A Miracle # 481         (poem)                 
God Is Ready To Use Elijah    Ch.4           
Elijah Challenges Ahab            Ch.5                    
Elijah’s Prayer For Rain         Ch.6                    
Elijah Runs From Jezebel        Ch.7           
Back To Work Again              Ch.8                    
Naboth’s Vineyard                  Ch.9                    
Fire From Heaven Again          Ch.10                  
Elijah’s Departure                   Ch.11                            

Scripture verses taken from: [KJV] King James Version
Yellow bold italics is Jesus’ Words.
John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
 [KJV]

Written and Compiled by:
His servant, Connie Kramer
Revised from original 10-2015

THIS BOOK IS NOT COPYRIGHTED,
AND IS NEVER TO BE COPYRIGHTED.
This book is free and not to be sold.

IT MAY BE USED BY “WHOSOEVER”
TO EDIFY THE CHURCH, AND TO
HONOR AND GLORIFY GOD.

I always try to make understanding God’s Word as easy as I possibly can for all. God will truly bless your efforts as you strive to learn more about Him. All praise and glory be to the
One and Only, Almighty God!

SALVATION
         

What is salvation?? Salvation is being rescued from the penalty of sin and from God’s horrible wrath. YES! God has two sides. He is a loving God, without a doubt! But He is also a God of wrath. I cannot teach God’s love and an eternity in Heaven without teaching God’s wrath (holy anger) and the “everlasting destruction” of Hell. If I were to do this, I would be a false teacher! I must be very careful what I teach, for I will be held accountable by Almighty God! James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. [KJV] . . . This verse terrifies me! So . . . just why do I teach God’s Word? One very good reason; that being, when I became a Christian, God gave me the ‘gift’ of teaching, and He told me to go and teach. What I fear more than this verse is refusing to obey God! That is why I teach!

Salvation is as easy as ABC!
A . . . ALL people need salvation! ALL people must ADMIT they are a sinner. They must admit they are wrong and God is right! Pride most often steps in and won’t allow the person to do this. Sin is refusing to acknowledge just who God really is; and refusing to admit He is in control; that He does have authority, over us, over all things! Sin will lead to spiritual death, which is eternal separation for God.
2 Thes. 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: [9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; [KJV] . . . You may not think so, but let me warn you, you do NOT want to be in Hell, separated eternally from God.
B . . . BELIEVE God! He plainly tells us the only way to Heaven is through His Son. God loves you and made a Way to receive salvation; so easy that even a child can have it! Simply BELIEVE God!
John 3:15-18 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [KJV]
Do you believe this? Do you believe God?
John 1:12-13  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [KJV] . . . If you believe God, and accept His Son as your Saviour and Lord, you are “born again” spiritually, into God’s family! God’s wrath is removed from you!
C . . . COME to Jesus! Open the door of your heart to Him! He will never force Himself on you! You must willingly COME to Him, then COMMIT your life to Him!   
A --- Admit you’re a sinner, repent! B --- Believe God!  C --- Come to Jesus!

Elijah
Introduction

         

This man is my favorite character in all the Old Testament, with the exception of Christ, my Lord. It simply thrills me to read about Elijah and what he did.
         
God needed a special man to stand up to the wicked King Ahab and his evil wife Jezebel. He had to have this man ready and present when Ahab and Jezebel sat on the throne of Israel. It would take someone with great courage to stand up against these two. God had him prepared and ready. This man was Elijah the prophet, one of the greatest men who ever walked across the pages of the Bible. He also very likely will be one of the two men who will return to the Earth to witness in the last days . . . it is predicted that he will return in the Great Tribulation period (Mal.4:5). I think that Elijah will be one of the witnesses in Revelation 11.
         
Elijah the Tishbite is introduced very abruptly. His birth, his parents, nor his call to the prophetic office is recorded. Supposedly he was called the Tishbite from Tisbeh, a place east of Jordan. If he was a resident of Gilead, he may not have been an Israelite, but an Ishmaelite, for there were many of that race in Gilead. If this were true, God’s calling a Gentile as an exceptional prophet might have been to serve as a rebuke and to shame the apostate people of Israel.
           
Elijah had a single-minded commitment to God. This should challenges us. He was sent to confront, not to comfort the Israelites. He spoke God’s words to a king who rejected his message. Elijah was a loner and chose to carry out his ministry for God alone, and he experienced loneliness and isolation from others who were also faithful to God.
         
When we consider the amazing miracles God accomplished through Elijah, we would do well to focus on the extremely close relationship they shared. All that happened in Elijah’s life started with the same miracle that is available to us . . . he responded to the miracle of being able to know God. After God worked an overwhelming miracle through Elijah in defeating the prophets of Baal; Queen Jezebel threatened Elijah’s life. Elijah ran. He felt afraid, depressed, and abandoned. Even though God provided food and shelter in the middle of nowhere, Elijah wanted to die. It was then that God presented Elijah with an “audio-visual display” in a message he needed to hear. Elijah witnessed a windstorm, an earthquake and a fire. But the Lord was not in any of those powerful things. Instead, God displayed His Presence in a gentle whisper.
         
Elijah struggled with his feelings as many of us do God told Elijah he was not alone but that there were 7,000 others that were still faithful to God. God often speaks to us through gentle and obvious methods rather than the spectacular and unusual. God has work for us to do even when we feel fear and failure. God always has more resources and more people than we know about. We should focus on developing a really close and vital relationship with Him. The real miracle of Elijah’s life was his very personal relationship with God. And that same miracle is available to us. 

Elijah, Chapter 1  
Elijah’s Boldness With the King

Elijah is introduced to us in a very dramatic way. He walks into the court of King Ahab and Jezebel and states what the Lord had told him.
1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. (KJV) . . .  Elijah who lived in Gilead, spoke without hesitation to Ahab, boldly stating that there would be no rain, not even any dew, except by his word (and he was leaving town). What a weather report! Then he walked out of the court just as dramatically as he had walked in. Probably no one had ever spoken so boldly to Ahab and Jezebel like that before, and they were taken by surprise. But, they will find out that Elijah has a habit of speaking what is on his mind.                                

Elijah was a rugged individual, and very outspoken, but there is something else we should know about him. God had to train him for the enormous job he had to do. God always trained the men He used by taking them to the desert. That is where He trained Moses. God took Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees and placed him in a land with rugged terrain. God did the same for John the Baptist, and the apostle Paul spent at least two full years out in the Arabian Desert. This is how God trained His men. Now He will take Elijah and teach him several things he needs to learn. God told Elijah to get as far out in the country as he could.

1 Kings 17:2-5 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, [3] Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. [4] And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. [5] So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. (KJV) . . . I have often wondered how the Word of the Lord came unto him, and to other prophets of old. But one thing for certain, Elijah had to be open (mind and heart) to the Lord. Elijah did as the Lord commanded him.             

God used two ways of caring for Elijah out in the wilderness. The brook was a natural means, by which he would receive water. The other was a supernatural means (miracle). The ravens which were unclean birds (Lev.11:13-15) were to come and feed him.
1 Kings 17:5-7 So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. [6] And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. [7] And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. (KJV) . . . This shows the deep trust and reverence Elijah had for God. He did what the Lord said! The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.

We are nothing without God. We are like dried-up brooks unless the Word of God is flowing through us. I think Elijah knew this wondrous truth.

Elijah, Chapter 2
Miracle of Endless Flour and Oil

1 Kings 17:8-12 And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, [9] Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. [10] So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. [11] And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. [12] And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. (KJV) . . .       The Lord then told Elijah to go to a town where he would find a widow, who would feed him during the drought. When Elijah arrived, he found the widow gathering sticks for a fire. He asked her to bring him a cup of water and a bit of bread. But she said didn’t have a single piece of bread in the house. She had only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. She told Elijah she was gathering sticks to cook the last meal, and then her and her son and would die.
1 Kings 17:13-16 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. [14] For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. [15] And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. [16] And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah. (KJV) . . . God kept them going on an empty flour barrel and an empty jug of oil. That barrel was as fertile as the corn fields of Iowa. Elijah is learning some much needed lessons. It’s a lesson we need to learn too. We are nothing but empty flour barrels and empty jugs of oil without our Lord! So much is said about consecration, and giving our talents to the Lord. My friend, we have NOTHING to offer God. He is the One who gave us any talents we might possess! We are nothing until the Water of Life and the Bread of Life have been put into us. Far too few people recognize this.                                                  

Surely the widow’s faith was increased greatly by what she witnessed. But what about Elijah? Remember, God is training him. He too is realizing just how powerful and capable God really is. Both Elijah and the widow learned to trust and depend upon the Divine Promise of God. What they witnessed was a great miracle in the kingdom of His grace, just as was the increase of her meal and oil in the kingdom of His providence. Blessed are all who can hope against hope, and can believe and obey in hope. They had food from God’s special favor. Those who trust in God, shall not be ashamed in evil times; and in days of famine they shall be satisfied. 

Elijah, Chapter 3
Widow’s Son Dies

         

In the widow’s home at Zarephath, her son died. The strain of the famine may just have been too much for him.
1 Kings 17:17-24 And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. [18] And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? [19] And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed. [20] And he cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? [21] And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again. [22] And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. [23] And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth. [24] And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth. (KJV)

Elijah did what he should have done. He went to the Lord in prayer. He knew he could not possibly bring the boy back to life on his own power. NO one except God can give life or bring back to life those who are dead. He struggled greatly as he spoke to God. Elijah stretched himself over the boy’s body three times, while praying earnestly. After his mighty struggle in prayer, Elijah brings the boy back to life again. 
         
This is the great principle of resurrection, it must involve contact with life. Today Christianity needs to be in contact with Jesus Christ. He is the “Life” (John 14:6). We need to recognize that this is one of the greatest miracles of Scripture. You and I are dead bodies, just like that little boy in the loft. We are lost sinners; dead in trespasses and sins. If we have trusted Christ, then we can say that we were crucified with Him nineteen hundred years ago; He died, and our old self died with Him. He was raised, and our new self was raised with Him. We are joined to the living Christ today . . . if we are not joined to Him, we are nothing.
         
And the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.” Elijah brought the boy back to life with the power of God.
         
God had to teach Elijah that he was a dried up brook, an empty flour barrel and a dead body. When Elijah recognized this, then God could use him in a mighty way. Martin Luther once said that God creates out of nothing. Until a person owns up to the fact that he/she is nothing, God can do nothing with him/her. That is the problem with many of us today: we are too strong, we have too much ability, too much pride, too much wisdom and God cannot and will not use us (1 Cor.1:25-29). We must admit we are nothing without the Lord. Then miracles happen!

BELIEF IS A MIRACLE

Belief can be a miracle, true,
A miracle, that can happen to you.
It can change your life spectacularly,
Belief gives you life, eternally!

Believing God can erase all sins,
A miracle; that with faith, begins!
We are justified, by Christ’s precious Blood,
‘Not Guilty’ in Heav’n, by this wondrous Flood!

Belief; a miracle, that sanctifies,
By trusting His Word, that never lies!
Set apart to serve our awesome Lord,
Spreading the Gospel set forth in His Word!

Belief; a miracle, that gives a new heart,
A ‘new’ creature, with a brand new start.
Children of God, and with Christ joint heirs,
One day the bliss of Heav’n with God we’ll share.

Believing is a miracle; true,
This miracle can happen to you!
Receiving Jesus makes you God’s child,
From Hell, you will always be exiled!

Salvation is a ‘Gift’ God gives to you,
A miracle; reserved for a ‘few’.
But most, by unbelief walk away,
From the greatest miracle to come our way!
*************************
By: His servant, Connie Kramer July 7, 1998 # 481
Jn.1:12-13; 3:15-18; Ro.5:1-10; 6:4; 7:6; 8:14,17; Jn.17:17; 1 Cor.1:30; 2 Cor.5:17; 6:18; Ep.4:24; 5:26; Tit.3:7; 1 P.1:2; Heb.13:12; Eze.11:19; 1 Jn.3:1

Miracles are supernatural works done by divine power. NO person can perform a miracle on their own, no way! There are many so-called miracle workers in the world today. Most of them say they can cure diseases, heal the lame, make the blind to see, give hearing back to the deaf, etc. This sounds like the things our Lord Jesus did! Are they Jesus? NO, they are NOT! NO way! (Mat.24:5, 23, 26).         These people are greedy, money hungry frauds deceiving millions of gullible, unsuspecting people; and will one day pay for their atrocities. BEWARE! Do NOT listen to them, do NOT send them any of your hard earned money.
         
As you probably have figured out by now, I am not a fan of these so-called faith healers. Elijah did not perform any of his miracles for money. Elijah was a TRUE servant of Almighty God and had an extremely close relationship with Him. Elijah did the will of God, not his own will. God can use us in any circumstance to do His will. We should pray that God will accomplish His plan through us.  Let us learn from Elijah and always pray before starting anything, and always be open to hearing His answer for us. Let us truly trust God as Elijah did. 

Elijah, Chapter 4
God Is Ready To Use Elijah.

         

This humble man of God can now step out with boldness. He has learned that he is nothing and God is everything. He goes to meet Ahab, and he is well prepared. God has taught him well.
         
The drought caused by Elijah now has the famine in the crucial stage. Much of the vegetation had dried up and the cattle could no longer find grass to eat. So Ahab and Obadiah went to look for pasture. Ahab went one direction and Obadiah went the other. Obadiah was the governor of Ahab’s palace. He was a God-fearing man. He had hidden 100 prophets of God from Jezebel’s wrath.
1 Kings 18:7-8 And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah? [8] And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here. (KJV) . . . While Obadiah was looking for grass, he met Elijah. Elijah told him to tell King Ahab, “Behold, Elijah is here.” We could sure use an Elijah today! I believe Elijah will indeed return in the Tribulation period, after the church is raptured (1 Thes.4:13-17). This Earth will need a strong voice then, and it will have one in Elijah.

1 Kings 18:9-13 And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me? [10] As the Lord thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not there; he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not. [11] And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here. [12] And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the Lord shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth. [13] Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord, how I hid an hundred men of the Lord's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? (KJV) . . . Obadiah does not want to deliver Elijah’s message. He is afraid that Elijah will disappear before Ahab sees him. Obadiah fears for his own life. He makes it quite clear to Elijah that he does not want to tell Ahab the message.        
1 Kings 18:14-16 And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me. [15] And Elijah said, As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day. [16] So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah. (KJV) . . . This is the third time Elijah stated his message: “Behold, Elijah is here.” Elijah assures Obadiah that he will absolutely meet Ahab, so Obadiah goes to the king. “Behold, Elijah is here” he told Ahab. And that will be the identical message someday again.                  
1 Kings 18:17-18 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? [18] And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim. (KJV) . . . Elijah told Ahab, “I am not the one troubling Israel . . . you are!” Elijah was bold! His preaching cannot in any way be misunderstood. He tells it like it is. Liberals always blame fundamentalists for causing division in the church. But who really caused it? The church had very fundamental beliefs at one time. Who broke up the church? Who led the church away from its foundation? The liberals did. It seems that liberals blame any trouble in the church on the fundamentalists. The liberals are never to blame. Likewise here, Ahab blames Elijah for the problem in the land. He accuses Elijah of stirring things up. The Word of God will ALWAYS stir up things. But it’s very interesting, rats will always run to a dark place when the light is turned on.
         
Instead of worshiping the true God, Ahab and his wife Jezebel worshiped Baal, the very popular Canaanite god. Baal idols were often made in the shape of a bull, representing strength and fertility.    

The best and most useful men, like Elijah, are often called trouble-makers of the land. But those who are responsible for God bringing judgments, are the ones who truly are the trouble makers. Satan is truly powerful in the world today, just as he was in Elijah’s time. He will not cease to deceive people with his cunning tricks, not until the Lord puts him in his rightful place (Mat.25:41), along with all those who fall for his lies and reject the only One who can save them (Heb.7:25).

Elijah, Chapter 5
Elijah Challenges Ahab

1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table. (KJV) . . . This was going to be a contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Actually this contest was one between the Lord and Satan . . . between the worship of the living God and the worship of Baal. Outwardly it was a battle of Ahab and Jezebel with the 450 prophets against Elijah. If a person has God on their side, they can whip the whole world! Lone Elijah was like a whole army.

THE LORD VERSUS BAAL
AT MOUNT CARMEL

1 Kings 18:20-21 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. [21] And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. (KJV) . . . All Israel and all the false prophets gathered together on mount Carmel. Elijah boldly confronted the people, “How long are you going to waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! But if Baal is god, then follow him!” The people wouldn’t open their mouths.
         
The people of Israel have assembled at Carmel. What will take place here will be like nothing they have ever seen before. Elijah knew what was in the hearts of the people. They were pretending to worship the living and true God, but they were also worshiping Baal. The reason the people did not answer Elijah is that they were guilty of sin. This two-faced way of life had become really sickening to God. This same double standard of many professing Christians still exists today. People go to church supposedly to worship the ONE TRUE GOD, but they have other gods all around them! Pleasure, money, possessions, power, fame, etc. It makes me sick to see all the thousands and thousands of people jam packed to see a football game. It doesn’t matter how cold or if there is rain, snow, hail. But if the church is a bit cool, they gripe and complain when they do come (when there is no game).

1 Kings 18:22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. (KJV) . . . Elijah felt like he was the only one left to stand up for God. A few people today feel the same way. We see such evils all around us. Things seem to get worse every day. Sin seems to be on a rampage. The vast majority of people go along with the evil and wickedness: living together without the benefit of marriage, gay marriages, gay rights, oppression of the elderly and handicapped, able-bodied people living off the government because they are too lazy to work, many big-name preachers are just using God’s Holy Name to get rich, etc. Sin is sin! “Things change” they say. My friend, God NEVER changes.                    

Elijah told the people of Israel, “I am the only one who is standing for God.” He was wrong but he did not know it. There were 7000 people hiding in the hills who had not bowed their knee to Baal. I don’t think too much of them, they seem like cowards to me, but who am I to judge? I probably would have been with them. But. at least they did not worship Baal. Elijah did not even know about them. It’s too bad that they didn’t encourage him a little bit, but they didn’t.                 
Elijah continues his message to the people and his challenge to the prophets of Baal:      
1 Kings 18:23-24 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: [24] And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. (KJV) . . . Elijah told them to bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal could choose the one they wanted, cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but not set fire to it. Elijah would prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. The prophets of Baal could then call on the name of their god, and Elijah would call on the Name of the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the TRUE God! Elijah wanted the people to see once and for all who is God! And all the people agreed.   

My friend, today God wants you to know Him. Even if you may have doubts, if you’re sincere and really want to know Him, He will reveal Himself to you because God wants you to know Him. Faith is not groping in the dark: our faith rests upon facts. Try Him and see. He will prove Himself to you. Your eternal salvation depends on your believing those facts and trusting Christ.

Notice what takes place now. This has to be one of the most dramatic scenes in Scripture.
1 Kings 18:25-28 And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. [26] And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. [27] And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. [28] And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. (KJV) . . . These desperate prophets of Baal put on quite a performance. Elijah just sits there and watches them. They now call upon Baal. Not one thing happens. They jump on the altar. That doesn’t help. They then display much emotion. Their actions are almost hysterical. As a last resort, they begin to cut themselves, the blood gushes out. Surely this will cause Baal to take action.
         
Elijah ridicules them, “Maybe he has gone on vacation and you will have to wait until he comes back. Or maybe he is taking a nap and you are going to have to yell louder to wake him up.” I think Elijah really enjoyed himself during all this. And all the while the people of Israel are watching.
         
John Knox made the statement, “One with God is a majority.” Elijah learned this wondrous Truth through experience in his day for there had been a tremendous departure of the Northern Kingdom from God. Under Ahab and Jezebel there was almost total apostasy. Elijah pretty much stood alone. It is true that there were 7000 people who had not bowed to Baal, but they had ran to the mountains. (Closet Christians???)  Not one of them stood with Elijah. He was not aware that they even existed until God told him. Elijah took a stand against idol worship. He refused to compromise with the prophets of Baal. When they tried to tell him “Things change” Elijah would have none of it.
         
One of the most piercing words in the English language is “alone.” Elijah stood alone. He did not voice public opinion, he stood up for God and he did it boldly and willingly. How many of us would ever have the gall to do as Elijah did? His only concern was pleasing God, NOT pleasing the crowd. He wanted God’s approval NOT public applause. He was a lone voice in the wilderness of the world. He went to war against Satan. He stood alone clothed only in his faith against the prophets of Baal.                                                                     

Mount Carmel overlooks the Bay of Haifa and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a long ridge to the east is Megiddo in the valley of Esdraelon. In this picturesque spot, the lone, majestic figure of Elijah stood. He taunted and jeered at these prophets. And finally, with scorn, he told them to leave.                                                
1 Kings 18:29-30 And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded. [30] And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. (KJV) . . . Israel had backslidden so bad that the altar was not even used any more. Elijah had to repair it before he could begin. Elijah is now going to have to depend completely on God.
         
What has caused division in our country today? I know there are many explanations, but any time a nation departs from God it will bring divisions to that nation. Once there was unity, a unity based on the fact that there is a living God, which is written in our constitution, and we are responsible to Him. Once this nation believed that the Bible was an authority. Who divided this country? Those who departed from God and His Word. The altar was the place of unity. Elijah put it back together.                     

1 Kings 18:31-33 And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name: [32] And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. [33] And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. (KJV) . . . The twelve stones represented each of the tribes of Israel. Elijah used the stones to rebuild the Lord’s altar. Then he dug a large trench around the altar. He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid it on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four barrels with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.” I don’t know where the men of Israel got the water in that severe drought, but God provided. I am sure there were complaints about all that water being used.                                                   
1 Kings 18:34-35 And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. [35] And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. (KJV) . . . Elijah commanded them to pour four more barrels of water over the sacrifice. They did. He then said “Do it again.” Twelve barrels of water had now saturated the sacrifice and the altar and then he filled the trench around the altar with water.  
  
Only God can do the impossible. Elijah is learning to depend on God. We have seen that. He knows he can’t do anything in his own power. He had learned that if anything was going to be done, God has to do it. He just stood up there that day, a devious smile on his face. I think Elijah had a sense of humor. I know God does. I wonder if he said to himself “Lord, if You don’t do it, it won’t get done.

1 Kings 18:36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. (KJV) . . . This is one of the greatest prayers of Scripture. It’s not long, just 37 words, but it is tremendous! You and I need to be sure that what we are doing is according to the will of God.

Do NOT do something that you want to do and then ask God to bless it. God does NOT work that way. You have to do it His way if you want to be blessed. We have no right to demand anything of God. Yes, He does demand things of us, but we are not to demand anything of Him. He will not jump at your beck and call. We are to pray according to His will.
         
Elijah said, “Let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.” I wish we could really understand the fact that if God does not do it, it is not going to be done. Do you understand Elijah’s prayer?
1 Kings 18:37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. (KJV) . . . Elijah continues his prayer with another 26 words. He prays for the glory of God. That is what moves the arm of God. A very short but potent prayer, 53 words in all. Do you see what happened next?

1 Kings 18:38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. (KJV) . . . The prophets of Baal were all day begging, pleading for Baal to light the fire. It did NOT happen! But after just a short and earnest prayer from Elijah, fire came down immediately from God. The fire of the Lord burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, even the dust. It even licked up all the water in the ditch! What an amazing and spectacular event this was! What an awesome and powerful God we have!

A few words uttered by Elijah in faith, with earnest devotion for the glory of God, love for the souls of men, and thirsting after the Lord’s favor, formed the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man, which availeth much (Jam.5:16). Elijah was not looking for his own glory, but that of God, for the good of the people.

1 Kings 18:39-40 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God. [40] And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. (KJV) . . . Can you imagine this dramatic scene? These people witnessed a miracle that day! When they saw it, they fell on their faces and cried: “The Lord is God! The Lord is God!” The people are all agreed, convinced, and satisfied. Jehovah was God. Some, we hope, had their hearts turned. Blessed are they that have not seen what these saw that day, yet have believed (Jn.20:29).
What Elijah does next may seem cruel. Then Elijah commanded, “Seize all the prophets of Baal. Don’t let a single one escape!” So the people captured them all, and Elijah took them down to the Kishon Valley and killed them all there.
         
The law of God was explicit, idolaters were to be put to death. Was this Elijah’s idea? No, it was God’s idea! God is a jealous God. He will not tolerate idolatry in any form. All will be punished. 2 Kings 10:15-28 (Jehu also destroys the worshippers of Baal). Thus idolatry ceased for the present in Israel. May it be our desire that it be rooted out of our hearts. 
 

Elijah, Chapter 6
Elijah’s Prayer For Rain

1 Kings 18:41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain. (KJV) . . . Ahab had been kept well engrossed by what had taken place and had eaten nothing all day. I feel sure that he was not the only one. Elijah told him to go eat and drink for he heard rain coming! 
1 Kings 18:42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, (KJV) . . . Elijah did not go and refresh himself with food and water. Instead he humbled himself before Almighty God in prayer. The prophet was far from taking a rest. He was absorbed in prayer for the fulfillment of the Promise made by God (1 Kings 18:1). He put his face between his knees; this is a posture of earnest supplication still used.
1 Kings 18:43-45 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. [44] And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. [45] And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. (KJV) . . . Elijah was a great man of God! So that the people might know that the drought was not just an accident of nature but was a divine disciplinary measure by Almighty God, the drought ended the same way that it had begun, by the command of Elijah. Elijah said that rain was coming, but at first nothing could be seen but clear blue water and blue sky.
         
Six times Elijah’s servant went to look, but all he saw was the clear, blue sky, and the sea calm and still. But, on the seventh trip he saw the sign of approaching rain. A tiny, little cloud rising out of the sea, as small as a man’s hand. The sky was so clear that even the smallest speck could be seen. The little cloud he saw rises higher and higher, becoming larger and larger with surprising speed, until the whole heaven is black. Then the clouds poured out their rain. What a blessing that was for the parched land and the people! Remember, there had been NO rain, not even any dew, for three long years! (See 1 Kings 17:1 and 18:1).
         
I have seen droughts, where we had to burn needles from prickly pear cactus to feed the cattle, but not a three year drought. I pray I never do.  
1 Kings 18:45-46 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel. [46] And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. (KJV) . . . Elijah had told Ahab to hurry home because the creek would soon rise and he would not be able to cross it. Elijah girded up his loins and began to run in front of Ahab’s chariot. Why? Why did the prophet run? Elijah ran a distance of six miles, perhaps as much as ten miles, in a literal down pour of rain (a great rain), a “gully washer” back to the city in order to give Ahab a last chance to turn from his sin before joining Jezebel in Jezreel. And too, Elijah wanted to make sure that the correct story of what happened would reach Jezreel.
         
I want to bring you just a little about Jezebel now because the following chapter will involve her. Ahab’s evil wife, Jezebel, came from the Phoenician city of Tyre where her father had been a high priest and eventually king. Jezebel worshiped the idol Baal. In order to please her, Ahab built a temple and an altar for Baal (1 Kings 16:32). By doing this, he promoted idolatry and led the entire nation of Israel into sin.
Jezebel was an idolatress and persecuted the true prophets of God (1 Kings 18:4, 13, 19;
2 Kings 3:2, 13; 9:7, 22).

Jezebel was a pagan queen of Israel, and was considered the most evil woman who ever lived.
         
A woman in the church in Thyatira was teaching that immorality was not a serious matter for believers. Her name may have been Jezebel, or John may have used the name Jezebel to symbolize the kind of evil she promoted (Rev.2:20).
         
False prophets in the Old Testament were a huge obstacle to bringing God’s Word to the people. Their messages contradicted the true prophets, appealed to the people’s sinful natures and comforted their fears. They spoke only what people wanted to hear. True prophets told God’s Truth. Does this sound familiar? This goes on every day in the world (2 Tim.4:1-4). False teachers and false preachers abound! Beware! Stay away from cults! 

Elijah, Chapter 7
Elijah Runs From Jezebel

Elijah is a man of passion as we are. He is very much a human being, and we will see just how human he really is. It is difficult to believe that Elijah is the same man who defied 450 prophets of Baal on the top of Mount Carmel. He seems to be a different man, but is there an explanation for his condition?                         
1 Kings 19:1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. (KJV) . . . Ahab tells Jezebel all that had happened; how Elijah had killed all her prophets of Baal.                                                                                   
1 Kings 19:2-4 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. [3] And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. [4] But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. (KJV) . . . She vows to kill Elijah. He turns and runs to Beer-sheba where he leaves his servant and continues on into the wilderness.

There he finds a juniper tree and crawls under it and asks to die.
1 Kings 19:5-6 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. [6] And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. (KJV) . . . Elijah is physically and mentally drained after all he has been through. Being before the public challenging and opposing the false worship of Israel had drained much of his energy and strength. He did a very human thing when he heard Jezebel’s message that she was going to kill him. Just like Simon Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at those fierce and angry waves, and began to sink, Elijah lost his courage. He began to run. He went to Beer-sheba which is way south.

 (Mt. Carmel is north west of Jezreel.) When Elijah got to Beer-sheba, he probably would have been safe from Jezebel. But when he got to Beersheba, he left his servant there and kept going yet another day’s journey. (A day’s journey is about 20 miles).

1 Kings 19:7-8 And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. [8] And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. (KJV) . . . When Elijah fled to Mount Horeb, he went to the sacred place where God had met Moses and had given His laws to the people. Clearly, God gave Elijah special strength to travel this great distance, about 200 miles, without additional food. Like Moses before him and Jesus after him, Elijah fasted for 40 days and 40 nights (Deut. 9:9; Mat. 4:1-2). Centuries later, Moses, Elijah and Jesus would meet together on a mountaintop (Luke 9:28-36).                            

Great faith is not always strong. Our faith tends to fluctuate or waver. Sometimes it rises to tremendous heights, other times it seems to completely disappear. Elijah was human, and his faith dropped considerably when Jezebel threatened his life. Elijah had every reason to depend upon God’s protection, yet he runs away. He saw what God was capable of, time after time, but it seems he has forgotten God’s amazing power. Humans are so weak and forgetful.                        
God then left Elijah to himself, to show him that when he was bold and strong, it was because of the Lord and the power of His might; for of himself he was no better than his ancestors. God knows exactly what he designs us for. Although we do not know what services or what trials will come our way, He will always make sure that we are furnished with sufficient grace to perform the tasks ahead of us. We need to remember this. If God calls us, He totally equips us! 

Strengthened by the food provided by God, Elijah continued to run. He ran all the way to Mount Horeb.
1 Kings 19:9-10 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? [10] And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (KJV) . . . Elijah came to a cave and stayed there.     But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I alone am left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” What are you doing here, Elijah? is a rebuke. It is something we all should consider! Are we in our rightful place in the Lord’s eyes? Are we in the right place to do our duty? Are we where we should be? Should God call me, am I where God wants me, and where I may be useful to Him?
         
Elijah complained of the people, and their stubborn sin. He felt he was the only one standing for God left. Did Elijah come to meet with God? He will find that God will meet him.
1 Kings 19:11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: (KJV) . . . The Lord was going to teach Elijah yet another lesson. First God made a great and strong wind that split the mountains and broke the rocks. That was some wind! Then the mountain rolled and shook under Elijah’s feet with a violent earthquake.

1 Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (KJV) . . . God was not in the wind, nor the earthquake.  After the earthquake there was a fire. He was not in the fire either. Such tremendous ways that day of teaching Elijah a great lesson.
         
The battle was not actually won on top of Mount Carmel by fire coming down from Heaven. God moves in mysterious and ordinary ways His wonders to perform. God sometimes moves in a small, quiet way. God uses little things to accomplish big purposes. God also uses weak, base people to serve Him (1 Cor. 1:25-29). God uses tiny things to open huge doors. Elijah had to learn this, so do we!
         
Elijah knew that the sound of gentle whisper was God’s voice. God was showing Elijah that He does not reveal Himself just in powerful, miraculous ways. To look for God only in big churches, led by well-known leaders, means you may miss Him because so often He is found gently whispering to a humbled heart. Are you listening for God?
         
The Lord is dealing with Elijah. He is worn out from the situation he has been through. So many people today run to a psychologist. Most often, our problems would be solved if we just took our burden to the Lord Jesus Christ and told Him everything.

Elijah, Chapter 8
Back to Work Again

         

Elijah had gone through a very traumatic experience when he stood before that altar, prayed to God, and fire from Heaven fell. Then there was the execution of the prophets of Baal. Next was a tremendous rain storm, which was a great victory for Elijah. You can criticize Elijah, find fault with him, blame him, and say that he is not trusting God. But put yourself in Elijah’s shoes (sandals probably). Think of all he has gone through! This is the same man who defied the prophets of Baal. This the same man who said, “If the Lord be God, follow Him”? He was mentally and physically exhausted. After that experience at Mount Carmel, he was worn out after the heavy burden of standing alone for God in the face of such great opposition. Although there were 7000 believers who had not bowed a knee to Baal, they were hiding in caves up in the hills. They sure couldn’t help Elijah from there. Elijah stood alone! Elijah would never have run away from Jezebel if he had not been physically exhausted. We need people today who are willing to work for God. I hear so much about folks being dedicated, but they are lazy and careless in the Lord’s work. Elijah was NOT lazy or careless. He crawled under that juniper tree because he was exhausted. But . . . now he is strengthened again. He has rested up completely. Then he hears the soft, gentle voice of the Lord.

1 Kings 19:13-14 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? [14] And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (KJV) . . . Many of us who serve the Lord can identify with Elijah. Sometimes within our families or communities we are surrounded by unbelievers. We feel overwhelmed, we get the feeling that we are the only ones on Earth standing for Christ. But, just as there were other believers in Elijah’s time, there are other believers in our time, although today, as in Elijah’s time, the believers are few.
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?  [KJV] . . . Belief in God and the salvation He offers through His Son, Jesus, is dying out. And “faith” of Christ’s return is hard to find. People are not taking time to read the Bible, and not taking time to teach their kids about the Lord. The Bible and prayer has been taken out of schools, and out of government. True faith today is a rare thing! Jesus was right about that.
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: [14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) . . . Millions are on that broad road leading to Hell. And the longer a person stays on it, the harder it is to get off of it and onto that narrow road that leads to Heaven. I pray that you are on the right road!

1 Kings 19:15-17 And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: [16] And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. [17] And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. (KJV) . . . God sends Elijah back to action and danger. God told Elijah, “Go back to the north country; I have more work for you to do.” God told Elijah to anoint three different men. The first was Hazael, as king of Aram. WHY was Elijah told to anoint an enemy king? Because God would use Aram as His instrument to punish Israel for its sin. Aram brought on Israel’s external punishment. Israel’s internal punishment came from Jehu, the next man Elijah was to anoint. As king of Israel, Jehu would destroy those who worshiped the false god Baal (2 Kings 9-10).
         
The third person Elijah was told to anoint was Elisha, the prophet who would succeed him. Elisha’s job would be to work in Israel, the northern kingdom, to help bring the people back to God. At this time, the southern kingdom, Judah, was ruled by Jehoshaphat, a king who was devoted to God.
1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. (KJV) . . . God also told Elijah that there was a remnant who had not bowed to Baal. God always has a remnant! He had one in Elijah’s day, and He has one today. They had not bowed the knee to Baal. They were not out in the open like Elijah; they were maybe what we today call “closet Christians.” Think of what might have been had they been bold like Elijah.
1 Kings 19:19-21 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. [20] And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? [21] And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him. (KJV) . . . Check out the obedience of Elijah! He did as God told him to do. Ah! if only we would be half as obedient as Elijah! The cloak (mantle) was a very important piece of clothing.  It was used as protection against the weather, as bedding, as a place to sit, and as luggage. It could be given as a pledge for a debt or torn into pieces to show grief. When Elijah put his cloak on Elisha’s shoulders, it was showing that he would become Elijah’s successor. Elisha knew what this meant, and I am sure he was deeply humbled, and honored. Later, the transfer of authority will be completed when Elijah leaves his cloak for Elisha (2 Kings 2:11-14). Elisha now becomes the pupil of Elijah. Elijah will train Elisha to take over his ministry of service.

How did Elijah know where to find Elisha? Simple! God showed him, by Divine directions. Where did Elijah find him? In the schools of the prophets? No. Not reading, praying, or sacrificing, but plowing in the field! He was a farmer. An honest calling in the world, does not put us out of the way of our heavenly calling.
         
Elisha’s heart was touched by the Holy Spirit, and he was ready, willing and able to leave ALL to go with Elijah. It is the power of Christ that makes us willing; for NO one would come to Christ unless they were thus drawn. When the Saviour speaks and says: “Follow me,” the dearest friends and most profitable occupations should be cheerfully left, and the most difficult duties done from love to His Holy Name.
         
There were some points of resemblance between the miracles performed by the two prophets, but Elisha was not an echo of his fiery predecessor. There was a big difference in their temperaments and their general attitude toward society.  Elijah was a solitary figure like John the Baptist. His life was usually spent in a seemingly hopeless struggle with the evils of his times, and he had periods of depression. Not so with Elisha. There is no record that Elisha ever complained, fled from his enemies, or lost his courage. Even on his death bed he seemed to be full of power as he gave commands to a king. His reception of a double portion of the Spirit is demonstrated by the fact that he lived a victorious life and also that he performed a greater number of miracles than any other prophet except Moses. This is the man who will soon replace Elijah.

Elijah, Chapter 9
Naboth’s Vineyard

Naboth was not a rich man. He owned some land on the eastern slope of the hill in Jezreel. This small “vineyard” seems to have been all he had. It was close to the palace of Ahab (1 Kings 21:1-2). Ahab really wanted that vineyard! But Naboth refused to part with it. He had inherited it from his fathers, and no Israelite could lawfully sell his property (Lev. 25:23). Jezebel was deeply offended at Naboth's refusal to sell. Her evil mind planned a crafty and cruel plot to kill Naboth (1 Kings 21:1-16).
         
She then went to Ahab and said, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard; for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” Ahab then went to the vineyard which had so treacherously and cruelly been acquired. He seemed to be enjoying his new possession when all of a sudden, there was Elijah! I am quite sure Ahab was not at all happy to see Elijah.

1 Kings 21:17-24 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, [18] Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it. [19] And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the Lord, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine. [20] And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord.
 [21] Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, [22] And will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, and made Israel to sin. [23] And of Jezebel also spake the Lord, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. [24] Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat. (KJV) . . . Ahab lived in a beautiful palace. You would think he would have been satisfied. But he was not! There are many people today like that! It seems the more they have, the more they want! Millionaires who have more money than they could ever spend in their lifetime, want more, more, more!
         
Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard. Naboth did not want to sell it. It took a brave man to say no to the wicked king. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). Pharaoh of Egypt, killed the little Hebrew boys, and thought he got away with his crime, but one day he found that his firstborn was dead. David committed an awful sin, but he did not get by with it. Instead of shrinking with horror from the horrible crime, Ahab eagerly ran to Naboth’s vineyard. While Ahab was proudly surveying his newly acquired and ill-gotten possession, Elijah, by God’s command, suddenly appeared before him. The abrupt appearance of the prophet, at such a time, was like an omen of evil, but the words Elijah spoke were like daggers in Ahab’s heart. Elijah was there to pronounce judgment on Ahab and Jezebel.
         
Ahab willingly sold himself to sin; his own choice, his own act and deed. He loved the control of sin. His wife Jezebel stirred him up to do wickedly and he enjoyed the benefits. Ahab is guilty, and his sin is set before his very eyes by Elijah.
         
Elijah told Ahab: “Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood outside the city just as they licked the blood of Naboth!” Elijah is no longer under that juniper tree. He is the bold man of God once again! Can you imagine him telling this powerful, wicked king these words? Elijah is standing tall again! The words God gave Elijah to speak were fulfilled!

1 Kings 22:35 And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot. (KJV)  
1 Kings 22:38 And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the Lord which he spake. (KJV)
         
Ahab says, “So my enemy has found me!” Elijah told him “Yes! I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the Lord's sight.” Elijah still has more hard words from God for Ahab! He told Ahab that all his descendants would be killed (vs. 21-22). “The members of your family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures."
         
Elijah also tells Ahab what will happen to his wife, Jezebel. “The Lord has also told me that the dogs of Jezreel will eat the body of your wife, Jezebel, at the city wall.” (vs. 23). This was fulfilled to the letter! Exactly as God had told Elijah! Jezebel died a miserable death.
2 Kings 9:30-37 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. [31] And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master? [32] And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. [33] And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot. [34] And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter. [35] And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands. [36] Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the Lord, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: [37] And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel. (KJV) (Read 2 Kings 9:7-37).
         
Any man or woman who makes God and His Holy Word their enemy lives in a very miserable condition. They consider anyone who brings God’s Word to them their enemies, because they tell them the Truth that they do not want to hear. And like Ahab, they hate to see God’s servants coming!

When Ahab heard the words that Elijah spoke to him (1 Kings 21:17-24), I’m sure he cringed in fear. There was no good news. None! It all was bad! And Ahab knew from experience that Elijah was speaking for God. He was there at Mt. Carmel.

1 Kings 21:27-29 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. [28] And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, [29] Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house. (KJV) . . . The following verses shows fulfillment of Elijah’s prophecy that not one of Ahab’s male descendants would survive (1 Kings 21:21-22, 24).

2 Kings 10:7-8  And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel. [8] And there came a messenger, and told him, saying, They have brought the heads of the king's sons. And he said, Lay ye them in two heaps at the entering in of the gate until the morning. (KJV) . . . Ahab had 70 sons. ALL were killed.
1 Kings 16:30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above all that were before him. (KJV) . . . Ahab was evil but he repented (1 Kings 21:25-29). God was merciful to Ahab, and He can show mercy to you too. No matter how evil you may have been, it is never too late to humble yourself, and ask God for forgiveness. God can and will forgive you. 

The kings of Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom), both the good ones and evil one, had prophets sent by God to advise, confront, and help them. King David had a faithful friend in God’s prophet, Nathan. Ahab could have had an equally faithful friend in Elijah. But, David listened to Nathan and was willing to repent (turn away) from his sins, while Ahab saw Elijah only as his enemy. Why? Because Elijah always brought bad news to Ahab, and Ahab refused to admit that it was his own continual disobedience to God and his persistent idol worship, not Elijah’s prophecies, which brought the evil on his nation. He blamed Elijah for bringing the prophecies of judgment, for bringing the trouble. Instead he should have been taking Elijah’s advice and changing his evil ways. Ahab was trapped by his own wrong choices. He was not willing to take the right action or make the right choices. As king, he was responsible to God and His prophet Elijah, but he was married to an evil woman who drew him into idol worship. He was very childish and would brood and sulk for days if he didn’t get his own way. He took his evil wife’s advice, listened only to the “prophets” who gave good news (Isa.30:10), and surrounded himself with people who encouraged him to do whatever he wanted. Good advice cannot be judged by how many people are for or against it. Ahab chose to follow the majority opinion, and it was wrong! One with God, is the majority!
         
Lessons we can learn from Ahab’s life: (1.) The choice of a spouse will have a significant effect on your life . . . physically, spiritually and emotionally. (2.) Selfishness, if left unchecked, will always lead to great evil.

Elijah, Chapter 10
Fire From Heaven Again

1 Kings 22:51-53 Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel. [52] And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin: [53] For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the Lord God of Israel, according to all that his father had done. (KJV) . . . Ahaziah’s reign was short, just two years. He is said to have been a very evil king. He followed the example of his wicked father, and followed the advice of his more wicked mother, Jezebel, who was still living. Unfortunate are the children who not only obtain a sinful nature from their parents, but on top of that, are taught by them to increase it. These parents are actually damning their children’s souls.

2 Kings 1:1-2 Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab. [2] And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. (KJV) . . . I would want to say there was a good chance he fell because he was drunk. But, instead of going to God for help, Ahaziah who was greatly influenced by his mother Jezebel, went to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron. Ahaziah’s request for a revelation from Baal, to know if he would recover or not, was a direct challenge and an insult to the Lord God of Israel.

2 Kings 1:3-4 But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? [4] Now therefore thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed. (KJV) . . .  This was one of Elijah’s last missions. He went to meet the messengers and asked them “Why are you going to Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to ask whether the king will get well? Is there no God in Israel?” Then Elijah gave them God’s condemning words: Ahaziah would not recover; he would die. The messengers went back and told the king what Elijah had said.

2 Kings 1:7-8 And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you these words? [8] And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite. (KJV) . . . This gives us a unique and interesting description of what Elijah looked like. Ahaziah knew it was Elijah!

2 Kings 1:9-10 Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down. [10] And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. (KJV) . . . And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. Ahaziah must have thought that 50 men could easily put Elijah out of commission. Remember that king Ahaziah was the son of Jezebel, the woman who had tried to kill Elijah. The price on Elijah’s head must have still been there.
         
Elijah called for fire from heaven, to consume the proud, daring sinners. He didn’t do it to save himself, but to prove his mission, and to reveal the wrath of God from Heaven, against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Elijah did this by a Divine impulse, yet our Saviour and Lord would not allow the disciples to do the same (Luke 9:54).

2 Kings 1:11-12 Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. [12] And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. (KJV) . . . And the fire of God came down from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty. The king sent another captain with fifty men, and he also ordered Elijah to come down from the top of the hill. What came down was not Elijah, but fire from Heaven which consumed the captain and his men.                                                   

2 Kings 1:13-14 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. [14] Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight. (KJV) . . . This man asks for mercy, and God will extend mercy to him. Do you see how this third captain approached Elijah? He fell on his knees and begged for mercy. Even though the first two captains called Elijah “man of God,” they were not sincere, God was not in their hearts. The third captain also called Elijah “man of God,” but he humbly begged for mercy. His attitude showed reverence and fear for God and his power, and he saved the lives of his men. Living right must start with a right attitude toward God. Many people speak “religious” words, but God is not in their heart. Reverence, respect, humility, and servanthood should characterize your attitude toward God; and this must begin in your heart! My friend, God even knows what you think (Eze.11:5). You must be sincere with Him!                                                          

This captain knew what had happened to the first two groups of men. He knew “there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties.” He had good reason to fear for his life and the lives of those with him. He did not want “burnt up” with God’s fire.
2 Kings 1:15-16 And the angel of the Lord said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king. [16] And he said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. (KJV) . . . The boldness of Elijah has NOT wavered. He obeys the command of the Lord. Elijah’s obedience in the presence of danger reveals his remarkable faith. Let us all learn a lesson from him. He knew how offensive and annoying his presence was to the king, but when he received God’s command, he went willingly, and without hesitation. He then repeated with his own lips, the unwelcome message he had given to the messengers in verse 4. “Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.” Another of Ahab’s sons would die! This would end the line of Ahab, just as God had predicted through His servant, Elijah.
         
There is nothing to be gained by struggling with God! I truly think we can attain great wisdom from looking at the life of this rugged man of God, Elijah. We can learn that submission to God is much wiser than the fatal end of stubbornness in others. We can receive marvelous strength, courage and boldness from our faith in the Lord God Almighty!
         
The true faith of God’s servants has often brought terror into the hearts of the proudest sinners. So dumbfounded was Ahaziah with the prophet’s words and miracles, that neither he, nor any around him, offer to do him any injury. But, think about it, my friend, who can possibly harm those whom God shelters? Even if they per chance do inflict us bodily harm, they CANNOT touch our soul!
         
Many people think they can prosper in sin, but will end up like Ahaziah, when they least expect it. All who have God as an enemy are fools! The Bible warns us to “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” (Isaiah 55:6). 

 
Elijah, Chapter 11
Elijah’s Departure

2 Kings 2:1-4 And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. [2] And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. [3] And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. [4] And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho. (KJV) . . . And Elisha said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. The Lord had told Elijah that his time was at hand. He went to the different schools of the prophets to give them his last warnings and blessing.        Elijah tries to get Elisha to stay back. Elisha will not leave Elijah because he knows that Elijah is going to leave the earth that day. Elisha wants to be there when the Lord takes him home. Elisha had been faithfully following Elijah. He would not leave Elijah now because he hoped he would receive the parting blessing.
2 Kings 2:5 And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. (KJV) . . . The sons of the prophets knew that Elijah was going to leave, and tried to tell Elisha, but Elisha already knew it.
2 Kings 2:6-8 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. [7] And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. [8] And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. (KJV) . . . The Lord had parted the Jordan River for Joshua and the people of Israel at least five hundred years before this (Josh.3:17); now He repeats the miracle for Elijah. The waters of Jordan had yielded to the ark; now, to Elijah’s mantle, as a token of God’s Presence.
         
Physical death is like the Jordan River which God’s faithful children must pass through on the way to Heaven. The death of Christ has divided those waters that the ransomed of the Lord may pass over on dry land! 1 Cor. 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (KJV) . . . We have victory in Christ!

2 Kings 2:9-10 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. [10] And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. (KJV) . . . Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (prophetic ministry). According to custom, the firstborn son received a double portion of the father’s inheritance (Deut. 21:17). Elisha was asking to be Elijah’s heir, or successor, the one who would continue Elijah’s work as leader of the prophets. But Elijah told him the decision was not up to him, but up to God. Elijah could only tell him how he would know if his request had been granted.

2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. (KJV) . . . Elijah was taken to heaven without dying. There are only two distinguished people who were thus so privileged! Elijah is the second person, Enoch was the first (Gen. 5:21-24).
         
The other prophets may not have seen God take Elijah, or if they did, they may have had a hard time believing what they saw. In either case, they wanted to search for Elijah (2 Kings 2:16-18). Finding no physical trace of him would confirm what had happened and strengthen their faith. The only other person taken to Heaven in bodily form after this was Jesus after His resurrection from the dead (Acts 1:9). 

2 Kings 2:12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. (KJV) . . . God granted Elisha’s request for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit because Elisha’s motives were unselfish and pure. He did not want to be better or more powerful than Elijah, he just wanted to do more for God. If our motives are pure, we do not have to be afraid to ask great things from God. When we ask God for great power or ability, we need to examine our desires and our motives and get rid of any and all pride and selfishness.

2 Kings 2:13-14 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; [14] And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. (KJV) . . . Elisha now takes Elijah’s place, and he shows his faith. He takes Elijah’s robe and smacks the waters just as Elijah had done. The power is not in the robe, and not in Elijah; the power is in God. Elisha knows that. Elisha had faith like Elijah had, and it is faith in the God of Elijah. Elisha asks: “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” This is not sarcasm, but His prayer that God will part the waters. He did! Elisha then crossed over the river to begin a new life.
         
Elijah left his mantle for Elisha. It was a token that the Spirit was upon him. That cloak was worth far more than if Elijah had left him thousands in gold.
         
Elijah was the most famous and dramatic of all Israel’s prophets. He also appeared with Moses and Jesus in the Transfiguration (Mat.17:3-13). I believe this prophet will return again in the Great Tribulation period.
Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: (KJV) . . . I believe Elijah shall return as one of the two witnesses in Rev.11, when he will again boldly serve God, causing great havoc in the world with droughts and plagues, and he will again have power over fire from Heaven because of the people’s wickedness.

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