Message from Scripture: 8/27/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from 1 Kings 18:21: “Elijah then came near to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you go limping with two different opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.’”

         

What a victory Elijah had over the prophets of Baal! The contest on Mt. Carmel revealed, without a doubt, that “The Lord indeed is God” (1 Kings 18:39), as He consumed the sacrifice Elijah offered. On the heels of victory, though, came discouragement, in the form of Jezebel. She was so upset over the death of her false prophets, she threatened to either kill Elijah, or be killed in the process (1 Kings 19:2).  Elijah was frightened, and traveled for 40 days to escape her wrath. It was while he sought refuge in a cave at Horeb that God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9).

         

Elijah was to be God's spokesman to the people of Israel, not to scorpions and snakes in the desert. He was not where he needed to be. He needed to realize what God expected of him. He needed to trust in the God who gave him victory, and to recognize the strength He provided. 

 

Where are we in our lives, and what are we doing there? Are we hiding our faith, and need to get back where God wants us, where we belong? God has given each of us a life to live, and He offers us help, strength, and purpose to live it. 

          

God's mercy and grace calls us to a noble and holy way of life (Titus 2:11-13). We should always abound in the love of God, and seek to live by His standard. In doing so, we can be positive examples to others around us. That is where God wants us to be, and there, with His help, we can be what He wants us to be, to His glory and our eternity. Let’s serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with a purpose. God bless.

 

Robert