Bible Chapter: I Kings 17 & 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    In the constant battle between God and the powers of evil, the enemy constantly strives to take over and show God as the failure.  King Ahab was leading Israel in evil ways.  They were worshiping false gods and doing everything God told them not to do.  Because of this God told Elijah to proclaim that there would be no rain for the next few years.  God’s word came to Elijah and told him to go to a brook where he would find water and ravens would bring him food.  Then God sent him to Zarephath where he lived and God supernaturally supplied food.  God brought His judgement to get the nation’s attention as He also provided for Elijah.
    At the end of the drought Elijah confronted King Ahab for his evil guidance of the nation.  There was a head to head battle between Elijah (representing God) and the prophets of Baal.  The god who answered with fire would be the real one.  The prophets of Baal failed.  Elijah prayed a simple prayer that the people would know who the real God is.  God sent fire that not only consumed the sacrifice, but the stones and water as well.  Then, God sent rain.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God really does know what He is doing.  He brought Elijah to the right place at the right time to bring a word of judgement to Israel and their wicked king.  He showed God’s power in holding back the rain and bringing it again.  He showed God’s power through the miraculous provision for the widow and her son.  He showed God’s power through the sending of fire to consume the sacrifice.
    God’s power and provision.  I must constantly be reminded that God has all power and that nothing is too hard for him.  I must also remember that God is also a righteous judge who brings both blessing and judgement on nations as they need it.

3.  How can I help someone?
    There is something that has been on my mind for a long time as I observe our modern culture.  This thought is the word judgement.  The Bible tells several stories of judgement when people mocked God and did whatever they wanted.  God judges sin.  God still judges sin.  I want to help people see that, while they have a free will, when they use it to sin they bring God’s judgement.  King Ahab learned the hard way that God judges sin.  Our modern world is going to learn the hard way that God judges sin.  God is calling our nation to repentance.