Elias (Elijah) was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. (James 5:17-18)
Elijah was a prophet of God. He was a Man of God who did not see death, because he had the testimony that he has pleased God. He followed God and His commands despite the fact that the king of Israel at the time, Ahab, hated him and wanted to even kill him.
At a point in time, Elijah challenged King Ahab to gather the Israelites and
the prophets of the false gods—four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred prophets of Asherah—at Mount Carmel. They were to prepare a sacrifice, and call down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. The one who succeeded would be revealed as the true prophet (ref. 1 Kings 18).
Each group prepared a bull on an altar and called on their god to send fire from heaven. The prophets of Baal called on their god and cried and cut themselves, but there was no response from their god. When it was Elijah’s turn, he drenched the sacrifice with water; then he called to God and God sent fire from heaven. The fire completely engulfed the sacrifice.
Elijah’s words in 1 Kings 18:36 show us his intent: “…LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, 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.” Notice, he did not plan this confrontation to show off himself, but he did it following the guidance of God and in order to turn the hearts of Israelites towards God again. And that’s exactly what happened; the Israelites lost faith in Ahab and followed Elijah’s guidance in trusting and recognizing God’s sovereignty.
As a Christian, you must remember that whatever you do for the Lord shouldn’t be out of selfish ambition or conceit. It should be for His glory, just like Elijah did. You must learn to follow the Spirit in the Word, by the Word, and through the Word. And your works, and your ways, will glorify the Lord always.
Prayer:
Dear Father, I thank you for trusting me with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I manifest your power in my world to bring glory to your Name. You reign in my life every day. I seek no praise and glory for myself, but I seek glory of your Holy Name forever and ever, in Jesus’ Name.Amen