Elijah
So, the first topic for the magnanimous month of March is a bit more serious than those previous. We have all agreed to write about an individual who is recorded in the Bible and has inspired us. Many names came to my mind: Enoch, Esther, Hazelelponi (just for the sweetness of the name), Paul, etc. However, after I thought for several minutes, I realized that I should surely write about the prophet Elijah. So, without further to do, let us commence!
(Let me first say, for anyone who questions the validity of the Bible's content, that I will encourage you to read the stories yourself. I'm not saying that you will be convinced or anything, but I want you to experience what the Bible has to say. Furthermore, I gladly and sincerely declare that I believe that the stories in the Bible are actual historical events concerning people who actually lived on this earth and experienced the Lord, YHWH. I don't hold this belief blindly, for I have sufficient reason to believe that the words of the Bible are trustworthy. The Biblical accounts and records of history have been repeatedly affirmed and corroborated by archaeological findings, more so than any other ancient document that I know of. THERE IS NO BOOK LIKE THE BIBLE. Written over a nearly three millennium by a multitude of people, yet possessing amazing unity and coherence, it is truly a beautiful thing, serving to reveal an even more beautiful God and Father and telling the story of His relation to man, the great story that reaches its climax on the cross. Enough for that digression.)
Elijah. What a man. Where do I begin?
First of all, his story is in 1 & 2 Kings. I confess that I am not familiar enough with the whole story to give you chapters and verses for everything. I may even get some things mixed up. That's why you ought to investigate for yourself. Seriously, you should look it up. I suggest https://www.biblegateway.com/. Also, a prominent reason that Elijah's story means so much to me is that it is brought to life in the book "Elijah" by William H. Stephens. Check that out too.
Anyways, I better get focused and say something of affect. Elijah lived in a very serious time in Israel's history. Their kingdom was divided, and the disease of idol worship was an epidemic among the people. King Ahab made deals with rich foreign countries at the request of their daughters- particularly Jezebel-, and he allowed the introduction of false gods into Israel's culture. While lip service was still paid to YHWH, nearly nobody truly worshiped Him anymore. Even many of the priests turned their hearts to idols. Ahab had temples erected for these false gods- namely, Moloch (god of war) and Asherah (goddess of fertility)- and the people went bonkers for these false gods. Stephens's book even describes a fictional, though accurate, story of a wild, wicked orgy of hypnosis, dancing, and sexuality that transpired outside a temple in an Israelite town. By the way, the story is told from the perspective of a priest of God who wanted to taste the occult activities for himself. Pretty bad stuff. Upon that, Israel even faced some military threats. This was truly a decisive time, a time when the TRUE GOD graciously and mightily acted to save His people from completely forsaking all knowledge of Him. And, as He often does, God uses a human agent to accomplish His purposes. Elijah.
Elijah was called from the life he knew, the life of a desert-dweller, to enter into the chaos of Israel and to speak the strong message God had for them. He was appalled by the wickedness being done among a people who claimed to serve YHWH, and he spoke the truth with admirable, courageous boldness. Everyone must have thought, "Who is this burly, hairy, loud, wild man who stands before Israel and its king with such terrible boldness?" He really was hated by many people. He stood firm to God's truth and the calling with which he was called, even when the entire nation was swept away with frenzied idolatry and wickedness. He suffered from loneliness, because few others loved God. He was falsely accused and treated as a nut everywhere he went. Nonetheless, he only concerned himself with the task God had given him. And God, as always, did the remarkable. Seriously, I have a feeling of awe right now as I consider the fire from heaven engulfing the drenched altar. AMAZING! God is amazing! Nevertheless, even after that event, the people and the king failed to remove the wickedness from among them, and many returned to idol worship, although God's purpose was achieved and a remnant remained.
So many parallels exist between our cultural situation and Elijah's. (Note: I speak as one living in American culture.) All around us, people give their allegiance to idols, things that will never satisfy, and we must stand firm in God's call and speak boldly of the the One who is truly Lord of all creation. We also see from Elijah's story that our message will often not be received well at all. Quite the opposite, actually. Yet, we see that if we are faithful God will do what He must do, He will reveal His glory in the most unexpected, powerful ways. For these reasons and more, I admire Elijah the man. Yes, he had existential doubts and times of disillusionment and self-pity, but he was courageous enough and bold enough to be used by God at a time when his nation needed to know the power of the Lord, which they had exchanged for the nothingness of false gods. Will we allow God to use us to impact our cultures for His glory? Will we take a stand? Will we answer the call? Elijah did.
Superbly,
SmoothJazz
Also, Elijah was a great cross-country runner.
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