9/27/11

Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10 He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away."

11 He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 14 He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away." 15 Then the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 17 Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (1 Kings 19:9-17)

(Elijan fed by an angel- Bol)

Thoughts: What would happen if the church shrunk to just one person?  Elijah had just one a contest with the prophets of Baal, and the people said they would follow the Lord.  A great miracle and triumph had happened, but sometimes after the mountaintop comes a steep valley.  Elijah was tired from running a very long way- (Mt. Carmel to Mt. Hebron).  He was tired, hungry, and thirsty, and alone with the powerful queen tryiing to have him hunted down and killed.  But God who had protected him from famine and drought and the prophets of Baal, was not about to abandon Elijah. He send an angel to nourish him, and He Himself encourages Elijah.  A weary Elijah did not need shock and awe (earthquake, wind, fire) but a still small voice giving him hope.  He was to anoint a new king of Aram (God is in charge of even the non-Jewish nations); He was to anoint a new king of Israel (God is the King of kings) and he is to anoint a new prophet, Elishah- a successor- so he would not have to worry about the future of the faith.
When we feel weary and alone- maybe even depressed and ready to die (1 Kgs 19:4)- yet we are faithful to Him- God will not abandon us, but will multiply our efforts to bear fruit.

Prayer: When I am weary, help me ot hear your still, small voice calling me to yourself, Lord. 

9/17/11 Deuteronomy 7:7-14

⁷ The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. ⁸ But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. ⁹ Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. ¹⁰ But those who hate him he will repay to their face by destruction;
he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him. ¹¹ Therefore, take care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today. ¹² If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors. ¹³ He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you. ¹⁴ You will be blessed more than any other people;

(Choosing a people)

Thoughts: It is God's grace that we are loved.  It is not that we have worked hard, or are so handsome or pretty or smart that causes God to love us.  God chooses us out of His love and grace.  In gratitude to God's love and election, we are called to obey Him.  In response to our obedience comes God's blessing.  Our obedience is sandwiched and strengthened by God's grace.  The grace and love of God enables us to know Him, follow the commands, and then be blessed by Him.  Our response to God is to listen, seek, and obey Him.

Prayer: Lord, we claim your faithfulness and love.  Keep me from pride, but instead, help me to follow you.