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Elijah Introduction: Elijah is mentioned in a number of times in the New Testament. He was at the Mount of Transfiguration, Matthew 17.1-2. Joined by Moses and exalted by the Father, Matthew 17.3-8. This was followed by some questions about Elijah in Matthew 17.9-13. We might also ask questions about Elijah; Why did he appear with Moses and Jesus?, or, Of all the prophets in the Old Testament who could have appeared, why him? Earlier when Jesus asked "who do men think that I am?" in Matthew 16.13, one of the answers was "Elijah." We want to understand the man, some of the key events in his ministry, and lessons we can learn from him. I) Elijah the man A) His name 1. Means "Yahweh is my God" Barnes. 2. Some translations render his name as Elias, Matthew 17.3 KJV B) His origin 1. "This prophet is introduced as abruptly as Melchisedek -- his birth, parents, and call of the prophetic office being alike unrecorded" JFB 2. He is called "the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead", 1 Kings 17.1 a. Some think "Tishbeth" was a city in Galilee; others, in Gilead. b. Some have even supposed that he was a Ishmaelite, not an Israelite, sent to rebuke and shame the apostate Israel JFB c. Some have even thought that he was an angel of God, but this can be rejected due to James 5.17. C) His appearance 1. "A hairy man wearing a leather belt around his waist, 2 Kings 1.7-8. 2. This was the clothing worn by John that Baptist, Matthew 3.4 II) His Ministry A) The judgment of a great drought, 1 Kings 17.1ff 1. This was due to the great wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel as they worshipped idols, 1 Kings 16.29-33, esp. v. 33 2. God cared for Elijah during this time a. By the brook of Cherith, 1 Kings 17.2-7 (water to drink, ravens brought him bread and meat) b. The widow of Zarephath, 1 Kings 17.8-24 a. She never ran out of flour or oil as she took care of Elijah b. Her son died but was brought back to life 3. His appearance before Ahab, 1 Kings 18. a. Told to go and present himself before Ahab, vv. 1.-2 b. Obadiah told to go and tell Ahab where Elijah was, vv. 2-16 c. Who's the troubler of Israel? Elijah or Ahab, vv. 17-18 B) The Challenge of Mount Carmel, 1 Kings 18.20ff 1. Challenge given to the prophets of Baal 2. Challenge to Israel to choose between Baal and the God of heaven 3. The Challenge to Baal to come and consume the sacrifice offered by his prophets. 4. The false prophets are then killed at the brook Kishon, 1 Kings 18.40 C) Elijah pronounces judgment on Ahab and Jezebel, 1 Kings 21. 1. Jezebel has Naboth killed so Ahab can get his vineyard. 2. Ahab and Jezebel are told how they will die and Ahab's lineage will be cut off, vv. 19-24 3. Due to Ahab's repentance part of the judgment is delayed, vv. 29 D) God's judgment on Ahaziah and Elijah' deliverance, 2 Kings 1 1. Judgment is pronounced on Ahaziah. a. Ahaziah fell and inquired from the prophets of Baal-Zebub about his recovery. b. Elijah meets the messengers of Ahaziah with God's pronouncement that Ahaziah will die from his fall. 2. Ahaziah sends 50 men to bring Elijah back and those men are consumed by fire from heaven, v. 9-10 a. A second group is sent and likewise consumed, v. 11-12 b. The captain of the third group comes and pleads with Elijah to come with him, at this time God tells Elijah to go with this man, v. 13-15 3. Ahaziah dies, v. 16-17 E) Elijah taken up into heaven, 2 Kings 2 1. Elijah was about to be taken up into heaven by a whirlwind, v. 1 2. Prophets comes to Elisha and ask if he know that the Lord will take away his master? v. 3 3. The sons of the prophets at Jericho ask the same question, v. 5. Both times Elisha responses by saying yes and be quiet. 4. Elijah and Elisha cross over the Jordan, a chariot of fire appears with horses of fire and Elijah goes into heaven, v. 11. III) Elijah teaches us... A) The Power of prayer 1. This point is made by James in James 5.15-16. a. We are encouraged to pray for one another as the prayer of a righteous man avails much. b. The three year drought ended when Elijah prayed to God. His prayer was answered providentially and not miraculously. 1 Kings 18.41-45 2. Do we believe in the power of prayer? a. We must pray with faith and according to God's will. b. But God still answers prayer today. B) The providence of God 1. God provided for the needs of Elijah a. By the brook of Cherith as the ravens brought him food b. At the house of the widow at Zarephath 2. Do we believe in the providential care of God? a. God has promised that we will receive what we need, Matthew 6.31-34 b. Proclaimed by Jesus to those who leave all they have to follow Him, Mk. 10.29-30 C) The need for commitment 1. Elijah stood up against the prophets of Baal, the king of Israel, and even the people of Israel as he challenged them to commit themselves to the Lord. 2. Are we willing to make a commitment for the Lord? a. To choose Him as our Lord and Master b. To love the Father ahead of the world c. To deny ourselves in order to name Him D) The hope of the righteous 1. Elijah persevered to the end; he was translated in to heaven. a. Death had no power over him. b. He appeared in glory with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration 2. This is the hope of the righteous today. a. Those who died (physically) but are in the Lord are alive (spiritually) b. The dead will be raised incorruptible, they will be changed, and death will no longer have any power over them, 1 Corinthians 15.50-54 Conclusion: WE can all have the hope of the resurrection and be with God in heaven if we have the patience, faith, courage, and obedience of Elijah. The challenge of Elijah is given today, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him."
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