Today I was involved in a pastor exchange where I preached a message at the Hersey UMC on Elijah's confrontation with the 450 prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel.
The main thing that has always struck me is the power Elijah had with God -- he prays and AT HIS WORD the rain stops for three years, but in 1 Kings 18 Elijah shows something truly brave. To go into a test of god verses GOD and know that he will win. His courage is overwhelming in that he stands up against popular opinion and prays in a way few do -- simple with power. It still overwhelms me how much Elijah risking for himself. Then again -- is he?
1. He serves God -- omnipotence
2. He is a righteous man with a covenant relationship with God that will not quit.
Is that risky for man -- probably not.
Courage then maybe one of the great elements of faith that is overlooked, but courage then is to face men with the fear of God that does not allow you to fear man. That is what Elijah teaches.
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Great post. Elijah is one of my favorite characters, I too love his courage. It's a shame more of us can't grab onto the power of God with such confidence.
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