I got some lessons from 1st Kings 18 and decided to share.
Context: After three years of severe famine, God decided it was time to release rain on the earth. He sent Prophet Elijah to show himself before King Ahab and also announce the coming rain. A lot happened in the chapter. Kindly see below some lessons from the passage.
Lesson 1
Pray for leaders who prioritize right and are empathetic. Despite the economic downturn in the nation due to the famine, the ONLY worry that occupied the heart of Ahab was to save his horses and mules. His plan was to go through all the land with his chief servant, Obadaih, searching for water and grass [v 6]. There was no effort to seek water or food for the people he led.
His track record shows how he burdened his people and never thought of their welfare. King Ahab was consumed with himself and all he had. Did you know he was sorely depressed because he desired the vineyard of a poor man and couldn’t get it? As a form of therapy, his wife, Queen Jezebel, orchestrated the murder of the poor man and coveted the vineyard. [See 1 Kings 21:1-16].
The truth is you don’t have to be a leader to show empathy. Life should not always be about us to the point that we care less for humanity. I genuinely think there ought to be a balance.
Lesson 2
As Obadaiah was on his way to search for water and grass, Prophet Elijah met him and asked that he informed the King he was around. Obadaiah felt it was a “setup” because the Prophet was known to move by the speed of the Spirit and may not be found upon return with the King.
What really struck me was how Obadaiah HUMBLY listed his achievements- he preserved the lives of 100 prophets by hiding them in a cave and also feeding them when the queen ordered the killings of God’s prophets. This actually inspired the Prophet to give him his word that he would show himself to the King [vs 7-15].
What does this mean? When situations call for you to speak up about the work you have done, please, do so in humility. Obadaiah taught us what a righteous brag should look like. This scripture also suggests that when you share your records with the right audience, there is a high chance that it will influence decisions in your favour.
Lesson 3
Upon seeing Prophet Elijah, King Ahab referred to him as the “troubler of Israel”. Immediately, the Prophet denounced that by saying, “I have not troubled Israel”. [See vs 17-18]
The truth is, there is power in spoken words, and the Prophet understood this principle perfectly. God created the heavens, earth, and all that dwell in them by spoken word. Jesus healed and delivered through words.
If the Prophet could denounce such a negative narrative, what excuse do you and I have?
When you hear what doesn’t describe you in any form, especially when it is not a constructive criticism but from a place of wickedness, envy, or oppression, please, denounce it IMMEDIATELY. Don’t host a pity party or complain to anyone who cares to listen. Be like Prophet Elijah. Refute those words by declaring you are not what you have been described as.
We are in the dispensation of grace, and the Blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient to preserve us from evil utterances. However, if something has been said of you and there is an iota of truth in it, please, seek the help of the Holy Spirit to lead you aright.
Lesson 4
Prophet Elijah had gathered the children of Israel at Mount Carmel to witness the power of God in the presence of 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. He was upset that they were indecisive in their walk with God. He said, "How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Ba’al, then follow him."
Guess what! The Bible records that “…the people did not answer him a word” [vs 21].
This verse reiterates the importance of the right posture when the truth is presented to us. Imagine if they had started defending themselves which we are sometimes guilty of. To be honest, that would have been the most unwise move. I believe that when we are faced with the truth, arguing is so immature. Don’t try to defend your wrong actions. Give yourself time to process what has been said, reflect, apologise, and do better. God and man will be proud.
Lesson 5
When it was time to present the sacrifice, the Prophet took 12 stones to build the altar “IN THE NAME OF THE LORD” [vs 32]. It is important as Christians that we ensure that God is not a second option in all areas of our lives. Imagine if the Prophet had casually excluded God from the process because of his position, that miracle on Mount Sinai may never have had the right impact. I encourage us to do everything in the name of Lord, to God’s glory, in order for us to reap the right rewards.
Lesson 6
God constantly reintroduces Himself as the impossibility specialist, and this blows my mind. The Prophet had set the altar and asked that four jars of water be poured on the pieces of the bull he had cut, which were placed on wood. Ideally, water doesn’t ignite fire, but it is used to put it out. Also, wet wood makes burning difficult. I guess you know where this is going already. I love how God showed up and showed off. He switched the conventional. See this, my dearest- “Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench” [vs 38].
It is important to note that this awesome miracle led the children of Israel to repentance.
In conclusion, I would encourage you to read the chapter. You may gain a different perspective. I pray that God helps me to live by these lessons as I journey through life. I hope this blessed you.
Have a blessed new week!
#Faith #God #Lessons #Life #Truth