Be Willing to Stand Up Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again. 1 Kings 18:37 The prophet Elijah knew about the idolatry of Israel and the wickedness of King Ahab. He knew the time for judgment had arrived. And he also knew that drought and famine were about to devastate Israel. He knew because he himself had announced Gods judgment. This all took place during a very sad time in the history of Israel, when the people had all but turned their backs on God and their king sinned openly and boldly. Elijah, consumed with holy indignation, prayed that it might not rain in Israel - and for more than three years, not a drop of rain fell. Streams dried up, crops failed, and people starved. Later, all alone, the prophet stood on Mt. Carmel among 450 prophets of Baal, proving the impotence of their false god. In a spectacular demonstration of the power of the one true God, Elijah called fire down from heaven - and then directed the execution of Baals priests. Imagine the courage it took for one solitary man to pray for judgment on his own people, confront a wicked king, then stand before hundreds of false prophets and challenge their piety! Although the Lord took Elijah to heaven long ago, this courageous prophet still proclaims today that true leadership may mean standing alone and speaking difficult truth.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 22:57:14 +0000
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