Chapter 301 of 1163

1 KINGS 18

Searching for water. Ahab’s capital city suffered severely, but the godless rulers did not repent. It takes more than suffering to break a proud heart; it takes hearing and yielding to the word of God. But Ahab and Jezebel tried to silence God’s word by killing God’s prophets. They showed more concern for their animals than for their people. When a nation’s leaders have their priorities confused, the nation will suffer greatly.

Searching for Elijah. Ahab wanted to kill Elijah (v. 10), but God protected His servant. To Ahab, Elijah was an enemy (1 Kings 21:20), but Ahab was his own worst enemy. We commend Obadiah for protecting the prophets, but that was not the final solution. Israel had to make a decision between Baal and Jehovah (Josh. 24:14–21).

Searching for God. Baal was the storm god, so he should have been able to send rain, but he failed. Elijah rebuked the people (v. 21), repaired the altar (v. 30), and relied on the Lord (vv. 36–37), and God revealed Himself by sending fire (v. 38). In response to Elijah’s prayer, God sent rain. Elijah was the man of the hour: he honored God, and God honored him.

Some may ask, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14). Perhaps the better question is, Where are the Elijahs?

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