Elijah: the Prophet of Fire
Introduction.
Please
notice with me a powerful text involving three significant characters.
·
Transfiguration
(Matthew 17:1-3). In this encounter Jesus is exalted above Moses (the great
lawgiver of the Israelites) and Elijah (one of the most notable of the
prophets). In this Jesus is set above the Law and the Prophets. Let notice
something about Elijah.
·
Prophecy
of Malachi (Malachi 4:5). Before the coming of the Messiah, Elijah is
promised. This is not to be a reincarnation, nor a return to earth (since
Elijah was taken into heaven without facing death).
·
Elijah
“who is to come” (Matt 11:14). Jesus declares that John the Baptizer was the
one who was to come in the “spirit and power of Elijah.”
This
evening I would like us to look at this significant Old Testament prophet and
examine a very significant encounter in his life which could lead us to
remember him as “Elijah: the Prophet of Fire.”
I.
Background.
A.
Inhabitant
of Tishbeh (2 Kings 1:3-4). Nothing is known about Elijah’s family. He was from
Tishbeh (“Elijah the Tishbite”) somewhere in the territory of Naphtali in the region
Gilead. In appearance he was very similar to John the Baptist. He was a rugged
man, who lived significant periods in the wilderness.
II.
First Actions.
A.
Ahab’s
sin (1 Kings 16:31-32). Elijah’s life is inseparably linked to that of Ahab,
the wicked king of the northern kingdom of Israel who married, Jezebel (the
daughter of the king of the Sidonians.
1. She
introduced (or reintroduced) Baal worship to the Israelites.
2. Prior
to this they had already accepted the apostasy of Jeroboam but in this they
accepted not merely apostate worship of Jehovah, but worship fo a pagan God.
B.
Drought
(1 Kings 17:1, 17:6; 17:9-24). God commands Elijah to proclaim a drought. This appears
to be a punishment for the wickedness of Israel. Remember this is a time when
God promised in the Law physical blessings for obedience, and physical
punishments for disobedience. Today a drought is not a direct punishment.
1. This
puts Elijah in danger from Ahab and Jezebel and he hides at the Cherith Brook
where God feds him with ravens bringing food to him.
2. During
this drought as well, Elijah goes into the region of Sidon. Ironically in this
wicked area (where Jezebel was from) a widow cares for Elijah and he raises her
son from the dead.
III.
Challenge to Baal.
A.
Elijah
is commanded to go to Ahab in the third year of the drought (1 Kings 18:1,
4-8).
B.
Contest
with prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:4-8, 27; 36-38).
1. Obadiah
(probably not the author of the book of Obadiah) hid prophets of the Lord from
Ahab and Jezebel but was somehow able to survive himself.
2. Elijah
comes upon Obadiah and tells him to alert Ahab.
3. A
contest is arranged: 2 bulls; 2 altars; no fire, just prayer to Baal or to God.
The one who answers with fire is the one to be served.
4. The
prophets of Baal pray from morning until noon, cutting themselves and crying
out to Baal. Elijah mocks them.
5. When
Elijah’s time comes he repairs the twelve stone altar. He digs a trench around
it an pours four water pots on the altar 3 times (filling up the trench). This
makes it clear there is not trickery.
6. Fire
falls from heaven and consumes the sacrifice, the wood, the altar, and the
water in the trench! Elijah then executes the prophets of Baal.
C.
Drought
ends (1 Kings 18:43, 46). Elijah tells Ahab to go home before the rain starts.
Elijah prays seven times and the seventh time a small cloud appears over the
sea. Elijah runs ahead of Ahab to Jezreel.
IV.
Elijah’s Discouragement.
A.
At
Jezreel, when Jezebel learns of Ahab’s victory and execution of the prophets of
Baal she grows angry and wants to kill Elijah (1 Kings 19:1).
B.
In
fear for his life Elijah flees to Beersheba (1 Kings 19:4).
C.
He
is fed twice by angels and fasts 40 days and nights making his way finally to
Mt. Horeb (far to the south). (1 Kings 19:10).
1. Elijah
goes from elation to discouragement as he sees Jezebel threatening to kill him.
2. At
a time when he has just been victorious, he is overwhelmed with discouragement.
Did he expect something different from her? From the people? Whatever the
reason, God bears with him and encourages him.
D.
God’s
revelation to Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-18; 19:19-21). God encourages him through
a wondrous revelation of Himself to Elijah.
1. He
is not in wind and earthquake but in a still small voice. We must not imagine
that the things of God are wrapped up in pomp and circumstance—but in the
simple truths of His word.
2. God
tells Elijah to get back to work: anoint Hazeal, Jehu, and appoint Elisha.
Elijah obeys and does not linger in discouragement.
V.
Lessons from Elijah.
A.
Speech
with boldness (2 Tim. 1:6-12). Whether it was to Ahab, the prophets of Baal or
others, Elijah always told the truth with no compromise.
B.
Confidence
in God’s power. In the face of prophets of Baal be knew God is the source of
true power.
C.
Did
not remain in discouragement (1 John 4:2-4; 1 Peter 5:9). Elijah (like many of
us) became discouraged. But the wonderful thing about Elijah is he did not let
that paralyze him into ongoing inactivity. He got back to work and continued
his service to God. May we always to the same.