April 28, 2006
Read 1 Kings 16
In Today's
Evil kings of
Ahab promoted Baal worship as a result of his marriage to Jezebel. During his reign, Israelite worshipers of God hid in caves in fear for their lives Then the prophet Elijah declared to 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 (I Kings 17:1). Elijah's faith was in God, who had said: Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And . . . He shut up the heaven, that there be no rain (Deuteronomy 11:16-17).
After 31/2 years of no rain, Elijah again informed the king that
Elijah challenged the 850 false prophets to call on the name of your gods to consume their sacrifice (18:25). After a full day of Jezebel's prophets frantically praying to no avail, Elijah called the people to come near unto me. . . . And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down (18:30). Then he prayed: LORD God . . . 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. . . . Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust. . . . 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 (18:36-39).
Elijah then demanded that all false prophets be executed (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). After their execution, Elijah said to Ahab . . . there is a sound of abundance of rain (I Kings 18:41; see James 5:17-18).
Elijah illustrates how the power of God is released when we pray and are obedient to His Word. We are to pray always with . . . all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18).
Word Studies:
17:16 wasted not = was not used up; 17:17 sore = severe; 18:4 cut off = murdered; 18:19 eat at Jezebel's table = are supported by Jezebel; 18:21 halt = waver.
Christ Portrayed:
By Elijah, whom God used to provide flour and oil for the needy widow at Zarephath (I Kings 17:13-16). Christ is our Provider, who supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Rebecca Hahn · Government Official: Rep. Tom Cole (OK) · Country:
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: I Kings 2:3