God Cares About Our Method as Much as His Message | Ben Parkinson | My Favorite Story

[music] [music] Welcome morning fellowship. Welcome morning fellowship. Welcome morning fellowship. Man, what a joy it is to be here with Man, what a joy it is to be here with Man, what a joy it is to be here with you all today as we do gather together you all today as we do gather together you all today as we do gather together as a church family to sing praises to as a church family to sing praises to as a church family to sing praises to the one who's truly magnificent, who is the one who's truly magnificent, who is the one who's truly magnificent, who is truly all powerful, who who has the truly all powerful, who who has the truly all powerful, who who has the power to crush the entire earth between power to crush the entire earth between power to crush the entire earth between his forefinger and his thumb if he his forefinger and his thumb if he his forefinger and his thumb if he wanted to and yet loves every single one wanted to and yet loves every single one wanted to and yet loves every single one of us made in his image with compassion of us made in his image with compassion of us made in his image with compassion and grace and mercy. Is just a blessing and grace and mercy. Is just a blessing and grace and mercy. Is just a blessing to be here today to celebrate him. And to be here today to celebrate him. And to be here today to celebrate him. And for any of you who are relatively new for any of you who are relatively new for any of you who are relatively new with us today, my name is Ben Parkinson with us today, my name is Ben Parkinson with us today, my name is Ben Parkinson and I'm one of four we call teaching and I'm one of four we call teaching and I'm one of four we call teaching pastors here at Fellowship who do have pastors here at Fellowship who do have pastors here at Fellowship who do have the privilege of teaching and leading the privilege of teaching and leading the privilege of teaching and leading the church in the team oriented way that the church in the team oriented way that the church in the team oriented way that we do alongside Justin and Brandon and we do alongside Justin and Brandon and we do alongside Justin and Brandon and Mark. And so if I haven't had a chance Mark. And so if I haven't had a chance Mark. And so if I haven't had a chance to meet you yet, maybe this is one of to meet you yet, maybe this is one of to meet you yet, maybe this is one of your first Sundays or you've come a your first Sundays or you've come a your first Sundays or you've come a couple times but I've been on another couple times but I've been on another couple times but I've been on another campus teaching somewhere and you have campus teaching somewhere and you have campus teaching somewhere and you have some time after the service, I would some time after the service, I would some time after the service, I would love to say hi to you. That'd be a huge love to say hi to you. That'd be a huge love to say hi to you. That'd be a huge blessing to me. So please come and do blessing to me. So please come and do blessing to me. So please come and do that today. And today I am excited to that today. And today I am excited to that today. And today I am excited to share with you one of my favorite share with you one of my favorite share with you one of my favorite stories. That's a sermon series that stories. That's a sermon series that stories. That's a sermon series that we're in, right? Going around sharing we're in, right? Going around sharing we're in, right? Going around sharing our favorite stories with all the our favorite stories with all the our favorite stories with all the campuses in our church. Uh beginning in campuses in our church. Uh beginning in campuses in our church. Uh beginning in First Kings chapter 16, if you want to First Kings chapter 16, if you want to First Kings chapter 16, if you want to join me there this morning. That's First join me there this morning. That's First join me there this morning. That's First Kings chapter 16. We're going to look at Kings chapter 16. We're going to look at Kings chapter 16. We're going to look at the story of Elijah and the prophets of the story of Elijah and the prophets of the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Elijah and the prophets of Baal.

Baal. Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Baal. Elijah and the prophets of Baal. As you're making your way there, as we As you're making your way there, as we As you're making your way there, as we get into it, uh, today, let me just ask get into it, uh, today, let me just ask get into it, uh, today, let me just ask real quick, show of hands, how many real quick, show of hands, how many real quick, show of hands, how many people have heard this story before? people have heard this story before? people have heard this story before? Yeah, quite a few. It's kind of a Yeah, quite a few. It's kind of a Yeah, quite a few. It's kind of a popular one, right, that gets taught in popular one, right, that gets taught in popular one, right, that gets taught in a lot of Sunday school curriculums. If a lot of Sunday school curriculums. If a lot of Sunday school curriculums. If you've been around church growing up as you've been around church growing up as you've been around church growing up as a kid or maybe in student ministry a kid or maybe in student ministry a kid or maybe in student ministry messages or maybe you've heard sermons messages or maybe you've heard sermons messages or maybe you've heard sermons on it uh before, it's one of those on it uh before, it's one of those on it uh before, it's one of those stories that gets preached and gets told stories that gets preached and gets told stories that gets preached and gets told because it's pretty preachable, isn't because it's pretty preachable, isn't because it's pretty preachable, isn't it? I mean, you've got one prophet of it? I mean, you've got one prophet of it? I mean, you've got one prophet of God standing up against 450 false God standing up against 450 false God standing up against 450 false prophets of Baal. 400 more false prophets of Baal. 400 more false prophets of Baal. 400 more false prophets of Asher. And you have the prophets of Asher. And you have the prophets of Asher. And you have the power of God show up in these miraculous power of God show up in these miraculous power of God show up in these miraculous powerful ways to defend the reality of powerful ways to defend the reality of powerful ways to defend the reality of his power over their false gods. I mean, his power over their false gods. I mean, his power over their false gods. I mean, as those that believe that this is the as those that believe that this is the as those that believe that this is the true word of God, as those that believe true word of God, as those that believe true word of God, as those that believe that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the one true God, it's a pretty Jacob is the one true God, it's a pretty Jacob is the one true God, it's a pretty wonderful story. It's a great one for wonderful story. It's a great one for wonderful story. It's a great one for us. Who wouldn't love a story like that? us. Who wouldn't love a story like that? us. Who wouldn't love a story like that? And yet, the more time I've spent in it And yet, the more time I've spent in it And yet, the more time I've spent in it and [clears throat] the more that I've and [clears throat] the more that I've and [clears throat] the more that I've kind of read on it and even heard other kind of read on it and even heard other kind of read on it and even heard other teachers teach things about it, as I've teachers teach things about it, as I've teachers teach things about it, as I've looked through the scriptures and other looked through the scriptures and other looked through the scriptures and other passages that may allude to some similar passages that may allude to some similar passages that may allude to some similar things in similar ways. It's actually things in similar ways. It's actually things in similar ways. It's actually come to become one of my stories, come to become one of my stories, come to become one of my stories, favorite stories for a different reason favorite stories for a different reason favorite stories for a different reason than it used to be that I'm excited to than it used to be that I'm excited to than it used to be that I'm excited to share with us all today. So, let's read share with us all today. So, let's read share with us all today. So, let's read it together, right? because it wouldn't it together, right? because it wouldn't it together, right? because it wouldn't make sense to preach a series called My make sense to preach a series called My make sense to preach a series called My Favorite Story and then not read the Favorite Story and then not read the Favorite Story and then not read the story. So, we're going to do that. Um, story. So, we're going to do that. Um, story. So, we're going to do that. Um, but it is a longer chunk. Okay, this is but it is a longer chunk. Okay, this is but it is a longer chunk. Okay, this is a pretty significant story. In fact, I'm

a pretty significant story. In fact, I'm a pretty significant story. In fact, I'm going to have to skip two really even going to have to skip two really even going to have to skip two really even great parts of it where Elijah goes to great parts of it where Elijah goes to great parts of it where Elijah goes to live with the widow and her son and then live with the widow and her son and then live with the widow and her son and then the other part where Elijah goes to talk the other part where Elijah goes to talk the other part where Elijah goes to talk to Oadai about showing himself to Ahab to Oadai about showing himself to Ahab to Oadai about showing himself to Ahab just to condense it down a little bit just to condense it down a little bit just to condense it down a little bit for the sake of time. We'll talk about for the sake of time. We'll talk about for the sake of time. We'll talk about some of those parts of it in the some of those parts of it in the some of those parts of it in the message, but but I want to do that. But message, but but I want to do that. But message, but but I want to do that. But we're gonna have a little story time we're gonna have a little story time we're gonna have a little story time with Pastor Ben here, okay? It's going with Pastor Ben here, okay? It's going with Pastor Ben here, okay? It's going to take a minute, so settle in and uh to take a minute, so settle in and uh to take a minute, so settle in and uh follow along if you want to. We'll have follow along if you want to. We'll have follow along if you want to. We'll have the verses on the screen. We're going to the verses on the screen. We're going to the verses on the screen. We're going to start in First Kings chapter 16 verse 29 start in First Kings chapter 16 verse 29 start in First Kings chapter 16 verse 29 is where we'll start and then we'll read is where we'll start and then we'll read is where we'll start and then we'll read all the way through First Kings chapter all the way through First Kings chapter all the way through First Kings chapter 19 18 with a couple of breaks here. The 19 18 with a couple of breaks here. The 19 18 with a couple of breaks here. The story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal said in the 38th year of Asa, king of said in the 38th year of Asa, king of said in the 38th year of Asa, king of Judah, Ahab, the son of Omry, be to Judah, Ahab, the son of Omry, be to Judah, Ahab, the son of Omry, be to reign over Israel. And Ahab the son of reign over Israel. And Ahab the son of reign over Israel. And Ahab the son of Omry reigned over Israel in Samaria 22 Omry reigned over Israel in Samaria 22 Omry reigned over Israel in Samaria 22 years. And Ahab the son of Omry did evil years. And Ahab the son of Omry did evil years. And Ahab the son of Omry did evil in the sight of the Lord. And listen to in the sight of the Lord. And listen to in the sight of the Lord. And listen to this. More than all who were before him. this. More than all who were before him. this. More than all who were before him. And as if it had been a light thing for And as if it had been a light thing for And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife son of Nebat, he took for his wife son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbal, king of Jezebel the daughter of Ethbal, king of Jezebel the daughter of Ethbal, king of the Sidonians. And he went and served the Sidonians. And he went and served the Sidonians. And he went and served Baal and worshiped him. And he erected Baal and worshiped him. And he erected Baal and worshiped him. And he erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. And Ahab made which he built in Samaria. And Ahab made which he built in Samaria. And Ahab made an Asher. And then listen to this. Ahab an Asher. And then listen to this. Ahab an Asher. And then listen to this. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of did more to provoke the Lord, the God of did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger, than all the kings of Israel, to anger, than all the kings of Israel, to anger, than all the kings of Israel who were before him. In his days, Israel who were before him. In his days, Israel who were before him. In his days, Heel of Bethl built Jericho. He laid its Heel of Bethl built Jericho. He laid its Heel of Bethl built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abaram, his

foundation at the cost of Abaram, his foundation at the cost of Abaram, his firstborn, and set up its gates at the firstborn, and set up its gates at the firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son, Sigub, cost of his youngest son, Sigub, cost of his youngest son, Sigub, according to the word of the Lord, which according to the word of the Lord, which according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by Joshua, the son of Nun. Now he spoke by Joshua, the son of Nun. Now he spoke by Joshua, the son of Nun. Now Elijah the Tishbite of Tishb and Gilead Elijah the Tishbite of Tishb and Gilead Elijah the Tishbite of Tishb and Gilead said to Ahab, "As the Lord, the God of said to Ahab, "As the Lord, the God of said to Ahab, "As the Lord, the God of Israel lives before whom I stand, there Israel lives before whom I stand, there Israel lives before whom I stand, there shall neither be due nor rain these shall neither be due nor rain these shall neither be due nor rain these years except by my word." years except by my word." years except by my word." And the word of the Lord came to him, And the word of the Lord came to him, And the word of the Lord came to him, "Depart from here and turn eastward and "Depart from here and turn eastward and "Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, hide yourself by the brook Cherith, hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. You shall which is east of the Jordan. You shall which is east of the Jordan. You shall drink from the brook, and I've command drink from the brook, and I've command drink from the brook, and I've command the ravens to feed you there." So he the ravens to feed you there." So he the ravens to feed you there." So he went and did according to the word of went and did according to the word of went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook the Lord. He went and lived by the brook the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith, that is east of the Jordan. And Cherith, that is east of the Jordan. And Cherith, that is east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the ravens brought him bread and meat in the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the the morning, and bread and meat in the the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. evening, and he drank from the brook. evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while, the brook dried up But after a while, the brook dried up But after a while, the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land. because there was no rain in the land. because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him Then the word of the Lord came to him Then the word of the Lord came to him and said, "Arise and go to Zerapath, and said, "Arise and go to Zerapath, and said, "Arise and go to Zerapath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I've commanded a widow to feed Behold, I've commanded a widow to feed Behold, I've commanded a widow to feed you." And that's the part we won't read, you." And that's the part we won't read, you." And that's the part we won't read, okay? We'll go down to chapter 18:es 1 okay? We'll go down to chapter 18:es 1 okay? We'll go down to chapter 18:es 1 and 2. After Elijah's been there with and 2. After Elijah's been there with and 2. After Elijah's been there with the widow and her son and a number of the widow and her son and a number of the widow and her son and a number of miraculous things that happened, it miraculous things that happened, it miraculous things that happened, it says, "And after many days, the word of says, "And after many days, the word of says, "And after many days, the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third the Lord came to Elijah in the third the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, "Go show yourself to Ahab, year, saying, "Go show yourself to Ahab, year, saying, "Go show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth." So and I will send rain upon the earth." So and I will send rain upon the earth." So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab.

Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now, the famine was severe in Samaria. Now, the famine was severe in Samaria. Now, the famine was severe in Samaria. And then we'll skip down a little to And then we'll skip down a little to And then we'll skip down a little to chapter 18 verse 17 and then read on to chapter 18 verse 17 and then read on to chapter 18 verse 17 and then read on to the end from there. says, "And when Ahab the end from there. says, "And when Ahab the end from there. says, "And when Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, is it you, saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, is it you, saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, is it you, you troubler of Israel. And he answered, you troubler of Israel. And he answered, you troubler of Israel. And he answered, I haven't troubled Israel. You have, and I haven't troubled Israel. You have, and I haven't troubled Israel. You have, and your father's house, because you've your father's house, because you've your father's house, because you've abandoned the commandments of the Lord, abandoned the commandments of the Lord, abandoned the commandments of the Lord, and followed the bales. Now therefore, and followed the bales. Now therefore, and followed the bales. Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me at send and gather all Israel to me at send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel and the 450 prophets of Mount Carmel and the 450 prophets of Mount Carmel and the 450 prophets of Baal, and the 400 prophets of Asher, who Baal, and the 400 prophets of Asher, who Baal, and the 400 prophets of Asher, who eat at Jezebel's table." So Ahab sent to eat at Jezebel's table." So Ahab sent to eat at Jezebel's table." So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered all the people of Israel and gathered all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. the prophets together at Mount Carmel. the prophets together at Mount Carmel. And Elijah came near to all the people And Elijah came near to all the people And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping and said, "How long will you go limping and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the between two different opinions? If the between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not then follow him." And the people did not then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word. Then Elijah said to answer him a word. Then Elijah said to answer him a word. Then Elijah said to the people, "I even I only am left a the people, "I even I only am left a the people, "I even I only am left a prophet of the Lord. But Baal's prophets prophet of the Lord. But Baal's prophets prophet of the Lord. But Baal's prophets are 450 men. Let two bulls be given to are 450 men. Let two bulls be given to are 450 men. Let two bulls be given to us and let them choose one bull for us and let them choose one bull for us and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay themselves and cut it in pieces and lay themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood but put no fire to it.

it on the wood but put no fire to it. it on the wood but put no fire to it. And I'll prepare the other bull and lay And I'll prepare the other bull and lay And I'll prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. it on the wood and put no fire to it. it on the wood and put no fire to it. And you call upon the name of your God And you call upon the name of your God And you call upon the name of your God and I'll call upon the name of the Lord and I'll call upon the name of the Lord and I'll call upon the name of the Lord and the God who answers by fire. He and the God who answers by fire. He and the God who answers by fire. He [snorts] is God. And all the people [snorts] is God. And all the people [snorts] is God. And all the people answered, "It is well spoken." Then answered, "It is well spoken." Then answered, "It is well spoken." Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose for yourself one bull and "Choose for yourself one bull and "Choose for yourself one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and prepare it first, for you are many, and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your God, and put call upon the name of your God, and put call upon the name of your God, and put no fire to it." So they took a bull that no fire to it." So they took a bull that no fire to it." So they took a bull that was given them. And they prepared it, was given them. And they prepared it, was given them. And they prepared it, and they called upon the name of Baal and they called upon the name of Baal and they called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, "Oh from morning until noon, saying, "Oh from morning until noon, saying, "Oh Baal, answer us." But there was no Baal, answer us." But there was no Baal, answer us." But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they voice, and no one answered. And they voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had limped around the altar that they had limped around the altar that they had made. And and at noon Elijah mocked made. And and at noon Elijah mocked made. And and at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, "Cry aloud." meaning cry a them, saying, "Cry aloud." meaning cry a them, saying, "Cry aloud." meaning cry a little louder for if he's a god either little louder for if he's a god either little louder for if he's a god either he's musing or maybe he's relieving he's musing or maybe he's relieving he's musing or maybe he's relieving himself himself himself maybe he's on some kind of a journey or maybe he's on some kind of a journey or maybe he's on some kind of a journey or perhaps he's asleep and and and and it perhaps he's asleep and and and and it perhaps he's asleep and and and and it must be awakened so they cried aloud and must be awakened so they cried aloud and must be awakened so they cried aloud and they cut themselves after their custom they cut themselves after their custom they cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances until the blood with swords and lances until the blood with swords and lances until the blood gushed out upon them and as midday gushed out upon them and as midday gushed out upon them and as midday passed they raved on until the time of passed they raved on until the time of passed they raved on until the time of the offering of the ablation but there the offering of the ablation but there the offering of the ablation but there was no voice no one answered answered.

was no voice no one answered answered. was no voice no one answered answered. No one paid attention. No one paid attention. No one paid attention. Then Elijah said to all the people, Then Elijah said to all the people, Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come near to me." And all the people "Come near to me." And all the people "Come near to me." And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the came near to him. And he repaired the came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown altar of the Lord that had been thrown altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. And Elijah took 12 stones down. And Elijah took 12 stones down. And Elijah took 12 stones according to the number of the tribes of according to the number of the tribes of according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be your name. And with the stones, he built your name. And with the stones, he built your name. And with the stones, he built an altar in the name of the Lord. And he an altar in the name of the Lord. And he an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a trench about the altar as great made a trench about the altar as great made a trench about the altar as great as would contain two seas of seed. And as would contain two seas of seed. And as would contain two seas of seed. And he and he put the wood in order and cut he and he put the wood in order and cut he and he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the the bull in pieces and laid it on the the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. But then listen, he didn't stop wood. But then listen, he didn't stop wood. But then listen, he didn't stop there, right? He wants to really make a there, right? He wants to really make a there, right? He wants to really make a point. So he said, "Fill four jars with point. So he said, "Fill four jars with point. So he said, "Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering water and pour it on the burnt offering water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood. And he said, "Do it a and on the wood. And he said, "Do it a and on the wood. And he said, "Do it a second time." And they did it a second second time." And they did it a second second time." And they did it a second time. And he didn't stop there. He said, time. And he didn't stop there. He said, time. And he didn't stop there. He said, "Do it a third time." And they did it a "Do it a third time." And they did it a "Do it a third time." And they did it a third time. And water ran around the third time. And water ran around the third time. And water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with altar and filled the trench also with altar and filled the trench also with water. And at the time of the offering water. And at the time of the offering water. And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, "Oh Lord, God of Abraham, near and said, "Oh Lord, God of Abraham, near and said, "Oh Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that day that you are God in Israel, and that day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I've done I am your servant, and that I've done I am your servant, and that I've done all these things at your word. Answer all these things at your word. Answer all these things at your word. Answer me, oh Lord. Answer me that this people me, oh Lord. Answer me that this people me, oh Lord. Answer me that this people may know that you, oh Lord, our God, and may know that you, oh Lord, our God, and may know that you, oh Lord, our God, and that you've turned their hearts back."

that you've turned their hearts back." that you've turned their hearts back." And then the fire of the Lord fell and And then the fire of the Lord fell and And then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood consumed the burnt offering and the wood consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust and licked and the stones and the dust and licked and the stones and the dust and licked up the water that was in the trench. And up the water that was in the trench. And up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on when all the people saw it, they fell on when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, "The Lord, he is their faces and said, "The Lord, he is their faces and said, "The Lord, he is God. The Lord, he is God." And Elijah God. The Lord, he is God." And Elijah God. The Lord, he is God." And Elijah said to them, "Now seize the prophets of said to them, "Now seize the prophets of said to them, "Now seize the prophets of Baal and let not one of them escape." Baal and let not one of them escape." Baal and let not one of them escape." And they seized them. And Elijah brought And they seized them. And Elijah brought And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brookishon and them down to the brookishon and them down to the brookishon and slaughtered them there. slaughtered them there. slaughtered them there. And Elijah said to Ahab, "Now go up and And Elijah said to Ahab, "Now go up and And Elijah said to Ahab, "Now go up and eat and drink, for there's a sound of eat and drink, for there's a sound of eat and drink, for there's a sound of rushing of rain." And Ahab went up to rushing of rain." And Ahab went up to rushing of rain." And Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel, and he bowed top of Mount Carmel, and he bowed top of Mount Carmel, and he bowed himself down on the earth and put his himself down on the earth and put his himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. And he said to face between his knees. And he said to face between his knees. And he said to his servant, "Go up now. Look toward the his servant, "Go up now. Look toward the his servant, "Go up now. Look toward the sea." And he went and looked and said, sea." And he went and looked and said, sea." And he went and looked and said, "There's nothing." And so he said, "Go "There's nothing." And so he said, "Go "There's nothing." And so he said, "Go again." Seven times says they did this. again." Seven times says they did this. again." Seven times says they did this. And at the seventh time he said, And at the seventh time he said, And at the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's "Behold, a little cloud like a man's "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea." And he hand is rising from the sea." And he hand is rising from the sea." And he said, "Go up and say to Ahab, prepare said, "Go up and say to Ahab, prepare said, "Go up and say to Ahab, prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain your chariot and go down, lest the rain your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you." And in a little while, the stop you." And in a little while, the stop you." And in a little while, the heavens grew black with clouds and wind.

heavens grew black with clouds and wind. heavens grew black with clouds and wind. And there was a great rain. And Ahab And there was a great rain. And Ahab And there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezrael. And the hand rode and went to Jezrael. And the hand rode and went to Jezrael. And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah. And he of the Lord was on Elijah. And he of the Lord was on Elijah. And he gathered up his garment, and he ran gathered up his garment, and he ran gathered up his garment, and he ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezrael. before Ahab to the entrance of Jezrael. before Ahab to the entrance of Jezrael. And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done and how he'd killed all the had done and how he'd killed all the had done and how he'd killed all the prophets with the sword. prophets with the sword. prophets with the sword. So then Jezebel sent a messenger to So then Jezebel sent a messenger to So then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and more also if I do not make your me and more also if I do not make your me and more also if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this life as the life of one of them by this life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." time tomorrow." time tomorrow." Then he was afraid Then he was afraid Then he was afraid and he arose and he ran for his life and and he arose and he ran for his life and and he arose and he ran for his life and he came to Beheba which belongs to Judah he came to Beheba which belongs to Judah he came to Beheba which belongs to Judah and left his servant there. But he and left his servant there. But he and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the himself went a day's journey into the himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a wilderness and came and sat down under a wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might broom tree. And he asked that he might broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough now, O Lord. die, saying, "It is enough now, O Lord. die, saying, "It is enough now, O Lord. Take my life away, for I'm no better Take my life away, for I'm no better Take my life away, for I'm no better than my father's." And he laid down and than my father's." And he laid down and than my father's." And he laid down and he slept under a broom tree. And behold, he slept under a broom tree. And behold, he slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, an angel touched him and said to him, an angel touched him and said to him, "Arise and eat." And he looked, and "Arise and eat." And he looked, and "Arise and eat." And he looked, and behold, there was at the at his head a behold, there was at the at his head a behold, there was at the at his head a cake baked on hot stones in a jar of cake baked on hot stones in a jar of cake baked on hot stones in a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down water. And he ate and drank and lay down water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again. And the angel of the Lord came again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and again a second time and touched him and again a second time and touched him and said,"Arise and eat, for the journey is said,"Arise and eat, for the journey is said,"Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you." And he arose and ate too great for you." And he arose and ate too great for you." And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of and drank, and went in the strength of and drank, and went in the strength of that food 40 days and 40 nights to that food 40 days and 40 nights to that food 40 days and 40 nights to Horeb, the mount of God.

Horeb, the mount of God. Horeb, the mount of God. And there he came to a cave and lodged And there he came to a cave and lodged And there he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord in it. And behold, the word of the Lord in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, "What came to him, and he said to him, "What came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" are you doing here, Elijah?" are you doing here, Elijah?" And he said, 'Ive been very jealous for And he said, 'Ive been very jealous for And he said, 'Ive been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the the Lord, the God of hosts. For the the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your people of Israel have forsaken your people of Israel have forsaken your covenant and thrown down your altars and covenant and thrown down your altars and covenant and thrown down your altars and killed your prophets with the sword, and killed your prophets with the sword, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only am left, and they seek my I, even I only am left, and they seek my I, even I only am left, and they seek my life to take it away. life to take it away. life to take it away. And he said, "Go out and stand on the And he said, "Go out and stand on the And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord." And behold, the mount before the Lord." And behold, the mount before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong Lord passed by, and a great and strong Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in wind tore the mountains and broke in wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord. But pieces the rocks before the Lord. But pieces the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. And after the Lord was not in the wind. And after the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind, an earthquake. the wind, an earthquake. the wind, an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, a fire, And after the earthquake, a fire, And after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And but the Lord was not in the fire. And but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, the sound of a low after the fire, the sound of a low after the fire, the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak, and he wrapped his face in his cloak, and he wrapped his face in his cloak, and he went out and stood at the entrance of went out and stood at the entrance of went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice the cave. And behold, there came a voice the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing to him and said, "What are you doing to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

here, Elijah?" here, Elijah?" And he said, "I've been very jealous for And he said, "I've been very jealous for And he said, "I've been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, for the the Lord, the God of hosts, for the the Lord, the God of hosts, for the people of Israel have forsaken your people of Israel have forsaken your people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and covenant, thrown down your altars, and covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. And killed your prophets with the sword. And killed your prophets with the sword. And I, even I only am left, and they seek my I, even I only am left, and they seek my I, even I only am left, and they seek my life to take it away." And the Lord said life to take it away." And the Lord said life to take it away." And the Lord said to him, "Go return on your way to the to him, "Go return on your way to the to him, "Go return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you wilderness of Damascus. And when you wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hezel to be arrive, you shall anoint Hezel to be arrive, you shall anoint Hezel to be king over Syria. And Jahu, the son of king over Syria. And Jahu, the son of king over Syria. And Jahu, the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel. And Elisha, the son of Chafhat Israel. And Elisha, the son of Chafhat Israel. And Elisha, the son of Chafhat of Albhulah, you shall anoint to be a of Albhulah, you shall anoint to be a of Albhulah, you shall anoint to be a prophet in your place. And the one who prophet in your place. And the one who prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hzael, shall escapes from the sword of Hzael, shall escapes from the sword of Hzael, shall Ju put to death. And the one who escapes Ju put to death. And the one who escapes Ju put to death. And the one who escapes from the sword of Jahu shall Elisha put from the sword of Jahu shall Elisha put from the sword of Jahu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I'll leave 7,000 in to death. Yet I'll leave 7,000 in to death. Yet I'll leave 7,000 in Israel. All the knees that have not Israel. All the knees that have not Israel. All the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has bowed to Baal and every mouth that has bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him. Very words of God. Amen. not kissed him. Very words of God. Amen. not kissed him. Very words of God. Amen. Isn't that a great story? Man, it Isn't that a great story? Man, it Isn't that a great story? Man, it teaches us and shows us so many teaches us and shows us so many teaches us and shows us so many incredible things about our God. It's an incredible things about our God. It's an incredible things about our God. It's an inspirational story. It's the reason why inspirational story. It's the reason why inspirational story. It's the reason why we love it so much because one of the we love it so much because one of the we love it so much because one of the things on the surface that it does show things on the surface that it does show things on the surface that it does show us is how God loves to see people on the us is how God loves to see people on the us is how God loves to see people on the earth be passionate about his message earth be passionate about his message earth be passionate about his message the way that Elijah is. and he loves to the way that Elijah is. and he loves to the way that Elijah is. and he loves to support people on the earth who are support people on the earth who are support people on the earth who are clinging to his words as the very word clinging to his words as the very word clinging to his words as the very word and promise of God. And so one of the and promise of God. And so one of the and promise of God. And so one of the main things you should take away from main things you should take away from main things you should take away from this story this morning is it's this story this morning is it's this story this morning is it's important that we are passionate about important that we are passionate about important that we are passionate about God's message. It's important that we're

God's message. It's important that we're God's message. It's important that we're passionate about God's message. And passionate about God's message. And passionate about God's message. And Elijah is passionate about God's Elijah is passionate about God's Elijah is passionate about God's message. You cannot deny that. He knows message. You cannot deny that. He knows message. You cannot deny that. He knows he's on the right side of the truth. He he's on the right side of the truth. He he's on the right side of the truth. He believes that whatever God has promised believes that whatever God has promised believes that whatever God has promised to do, he will do. And he knows what to do, he will do. And he knows what to do, he will do. And he knows what Ahab is doing is against the will of Ahab is doing is against the will of Ahab is doing is against the will of God. I mean, look back at the beginning God. I mean, look back at the beginning God. I mean, look back at the beginning of our story in chapter 16 verse 33 of our story in chapter 16 verse 33 of our story in chapter 16 verse 33 again at how God describes what Ahab is again at how God describes what Ahab is again at how God describes what Ahab is doing. He says, "And Ahab made an Asher doing. He says, "And Ahab made an Asher doing. He says, "And Ahab made an Asher and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the the God of Israel, to anger than all the the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him." kings of Israel who were before him." kings of Israel who were before him." Now, there's no doubt Ahab's doing evil Now, there's no doubt Ahab's doing evil Now, there's no doubt Ahab's doing evil in the sight of the Lord. And Elijah in the sight of the Lord. And Elijah in the sight of the Lord. And Elijah knows that. And Elijah has the faith and knows that. And Elijah has the faith and knows that. And Elijah has the faith and the courage to stand up and do something the courage to stand up and do something the courage to stand up and do something about it, doesn't he? In fact, what about it, doesn't he? In fact, what about it, doesn't he? In fact, what Elijah does when he calls on this Elijah does when he calls on this Elijah does when he calls on this drought to come into the land is he's drought to come into the land is he's drought to come into the land is he's actually quoting back to God's promise actually quoting back to God's promise actually quoting back to God's promise in Deuteronomy 11 16-1 17 that Moses in Deuteronomy 11 16-1 17 that Moses in Deuteronomy 11 16-1 17 that Moses gave the people when he was reading the gave the people when he was reading the gave the people when he was reading the law to them. It's what Old Testament law to them. It's what Old Testament law to them. It's what Old Testament rabbis, it's what the Jewish scholars rabbis, it's what the Jewish scholars rabbis, it's what the Jewish scholars call binding God to his word. He knew call binding God to his word. He knew call binding God to his word. He knew God's word backwards and forwards. And God's word backwards and forwards. And God's word backwards and forwards. And he said, "God, you promised to do this he said, "God, you promised to do this he said, "God, you promised to do this in this instance. I'm calling on you to in this instance. I'm calling on you to in this instance. I'm calling on you to do what you said you would do." Look at do what you said you would do." Look at do what you said you would do." Look at it back in Deuteronomy 11, what Moses it back in Deuteronomy 11, what Moses it back in Deuteronomy 11, what Moses said to the people. He said, "Take care said to the people. He said, "Take care said to the people. He said, "Take care lest your heart be deceived and you turn lest your heart be deceived and you turn lest your heart be deceived and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship aside and serve other gods and worship aside and serve other gods and worship them. Then the anger of the Lord will be them. Then the anger of the Lord will be them. Then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you and he will shut up kindled against you and he will shut up kindled against you and he will shut up the heavens so that there will be no

the heavens so that there will be no the heavens so that there will be no rain and the land will yield no fruit rain and the land will yield no fruit rain and the land will yield no fruit and you will perish quickly off the good and you will perish quickly off the good and you will perish quickly off the good land that the Lord is giving you. No, land that the Lord is giving you. No, land that the Lord is giving you. No, God back in Deuteronomy 11 said, God back in Deuteronomy 11 said, God back in Deuteronomy 11 said, "Listen, if you turn aside from me and "Listen, if you turn aside from me and "Listen, if you turn aside from me and if you serve other gods and worship if you serve other gods and worship if you serve other gods and worship them, I will shut the heavens and send them, I will shut the heavens and send them, I will shut the heavens and send no rain." And then here in our story, we no rain." And then here in our story, we no rain." And then here in our story, we have a king over Israel of all people in have a king over Israel of all people in have a king over Israel of all people in Ahab who's promoting the worship of Ahab who's promoting the worship of Ahab who's promoting the worship of other gods more than any other king other gods more than any other king other gods more than any other king before him. before him. before him. Elijah cares about the word of God. He Elijah cares about the word of God. He Elijah cares about the word of God. He knows the word of God. He's willing to knows the word of God. He's willing to knows the word of God. He's willing to take bold steps to defend the word of take bold steps to defend the word of take bold steps to defend the word of God against anyone who would lead others God against anyone who would lead others God against anyone who would lead others away from it. away from it. away from it. And that's basically what we focus on in And that's basically what we focus on in And that's basically what we focus on in our Sunday school stories, isn't it? And our Sunday school stories, isn't it? And our Sunday school stories, isn't it? And that's the heartbeat of of of of what we that's the heartbeat of of of of what we that's the heartbeat of of of of what we usually preach when we come to this usually preach when we come to this usually preach when we come to this passage, that we should have the kind of passage, that we should have the kind of passage, that we should have the kind of faith in God that Elijah does and be faith in God that Elijah does and be faith in God that Elijah does and be willing to stand up to those who are willing to stand up to those who are willing to stand up to those who are against the Lord like Elijah did. And against the Lord like Elijah did. And against the Lord like Elijah did. And let God use us to glorify himself in let God use us to glorify himself in let God use us to glorify himself in these grand ways like Elijah did against these grand ways like Elijah did against these grand ways like Elijah did against the prophets of Baal where the world the prophets of Baal where the world the prophets of Baal where the world sees on a grand stage that we're right sees on a grand stage that we're right sees on a grand stage that we're right and they're wrong. And God's powerful and they're wrong. And God's powerful and they're wrong. And God's powerful and can use even just one true prophet and can use even just one true prophet and can use even just one true prophet against 450 false ones.

against 450 false ones. against 450 false ones. And let me say this morning, anyone that And let me say this morning, anyone that And let me say this morning, anyone that has preached that emphasis about this has preached that emphasis about this has preached that emphasis about this passage and this story has preached the passage and this story has preached the passage and this story has preached the truth. That is absolutely true. And and truth. That is absolutely true. And and truth. That is absolutely true. And and and anytime that that you've heard this and anytime that that you've heard this and anytime that that you've heard this story preached this way and this passage story preached this way and this passage story preached this way and this passage preached this way and nothing else, preached this way and nothing else, preached this way and nothing else, you've heard a true telling of God's you've heard a true telling of God's you've heard a true telling of God's word. And that's an important thing to word. And that's an important thing to word. And that's an important thing to take away from it. And I want to say take away from it. And I want to say take away from it. And I want to say this this morning, Elijah is one of the this this morning, Elijah is one of the this this morning, Elijah is one of the greatest prophets in the entire greatest prophets in the entire greatest prophets in the entire scripture and in the Old Testament. scripture and in the Old Testament. scripture and in the Old Testament. Okay? Okay? Okay? I'm sharing that because I'm actually I'm sharing that because I'm actually I'm sharing that because I'm actually going to look at some things in this going to look at some things in this going to look at some things in this story that maybe we don't look at a story that maybe we don't look at a story that maybe we don't look at a whole lot that maybe Elijah didn't do whole lot that maybe Elijah didn't do whole lot that maybe Elijah didn't do absolutely perfectly that I think God absolutely perfectly that I think God absolutely perfectly that I think God wants to show us something through. But wants to show us something through. But wants to show us something through. But in doing that, I don't by any means want in doing that, I don't by any means want in doing that, I don't by any means want you to think that I don't think Elijah you to think that I don't think Elijah you to think that I don't think Elijah is one of the greatest prophets in the is one of the greatest prophets in the is one of the greatest prophets in the entire Bible. Elijah's on the Mount of entire Bible. Elijah's on the Mount of entire Bible. Elijah's on the Mount of Transfiguration with Moses encouraging Transfiguration with Moses encouraging Transfiguration with Moses encouraging Jesus in his life. Elijah gets taken up Jesus in his life. Elijah gets taken up Jesus in his life. Elijah gets taken up in a chariot of fire. doesn't even have in a chariot of fire. doesn't even have in a chariot of fire. doesn't even have to experience physical death because his to experience physical death because his to experience physical death because his relationship with God is what it is. relationship with God is what it is. relationship with God is what it is. John the Baptist is prophesied coming in John the Baptist is prophesied coming in John the Baptist is prophesied coming in the spirit of Elijah to do his pre the spirit of Elijah to do his pre the spirit of Elijah to do his pre messianic ministry of being the messianic ministry of being the messianic ministry of being the foreshadowing of Jesus Christ coming to foreshadowing of Jesus Christ coming to foreshadowing of Jesus Christ coming to the earth. No, Elijah is I mean I wish I the earth. No, Elijah is I mean I wish I the earth. No, Elijah is I mean I wish I had a relationship with God like Elijah had a relationship with God like Elijah had a relationship with God like Elijah does. He's one of the greatest prophets does. He's one of the greatest prophets does. He's one of the greatest prophets in the entire scripture. And the way he in the entire scripture. And the way he in the entire scripture. And the way he follows God with zeal and with passion follows God with zeal and with passion follows God with zeal and with passion and with with power and the ways that he and with with power and the ways that he and with with power and the ways that he does is overwhelmingly all inspiring does is overwhelmingly all inspiring does is overwhelmingly all inspiring incredible.

incredible. incredible. But because of that, because he's such But because of that, because he's such But because of that, because he's such an amazing prophet, because he's one of an amazing prophet, because he's one of an amazing prophet, because he's one of the two greatest prophets in the Old the two greatest prophets in the Old the two greatest prophets in the Old Testament before Jesus shows up, because Testament before Jesus shows up, because Testament before Jesus shows up, because he's so incredible, sometimes we forget he's so incredible, sometimes we forget he's so incredible, sometimes we forget Elijah is human. Elijah is human. Elijah is human. He's a picture of Jesus to come in a lot He's a picture of Jesus to come in a lot He's a picture of Jesus to come in a lot of ways, but he's not Jesus. of ways, but he's not Jesus. of ways, but he's not Jesus. He is fallen. He He does have have flaws He is fallen. He He does have have flaws He is fallen. He He does have have flaws in certain ways. And I think God wants in certain ways. And I think God wants in certain ways. And I think God wants us to learn something from him in even us to learn something from him in even us to learn something from him in even his flaws in this story because there's his flaws in this story because there's his flaws in this story because there's another problem. This story we don't another problem. This story we don't another problem. This story we don't talk about enough. The part that maybe talk about enough. The part that maybe talk about enough. The part that maybe Elijah didn't do exactly the way that Elijah didn't do exactly the way that Elijah didn't do exactly the way that God wanted. Because although it's God wanted. Because although it's God wanted. Because although it's important to be passionate about God's important to be passionate about God's important to be passionate about God's message like Elijah was, I think it's message like Elijah was, I think it's message like Elijah was, I think it's important for us, if there's one other important for us, if there's one other important for us, if there's one other big takeaway I'd want us to walk away big takeaway I'd want us to walk away big takeaway I'd want us to walk away from the story with this morning, it's from the story with this morning, it's from the story with this morning, it's also important for us to make sure that also important for us to make sure that also important for us to make sure that when we're sharing God's message, we're when we're sharing God's message, we're when we're sharing God's message, we're using the specific methods God's asking using the specific methods God's asking using the specific methods God's asking us to use in any given situation. us to use in any given situation. us to use in any given situation. He wants it to be passed by his message, He wants it to be passed by his message, He wants it to be passed by his message, but he also wants us to use his methods but he also wants us to use his methods but he also wants us to use his methods in a given situation the way that he's in a given situation the way that he's in a given situation the way that he's asking us to. And a lot of times we can asking us to. And a lot of times we can asking us to. And a lot of times we can miss this point because we can assume miss this point because we can assume miss this point because we can assume and I think probably un unrightly and I think probably un unrightly and I think probably un unrightly if you will that that every prophet of if you will that that every prophet of if you will that that every prophet of God is always only doing and only saying God is always only doing and only saying God is always only doing and only saying exactly what God told them to do and to exactly what God told them to do and to exactly what God told them to do and to say. if we don't see it in the in the say. if we don't see it in the in the say. if we don't see it in the in the passage, we assume it's in some kind of passage, we assume it's in some kind of passage, we assume it's in some kind of offbook private conversation that this offbook private conversation that this offbook private conversation that this happened whether it's recorded or not.

happened whether it's recorded or not. happened whether it's recorded or not. But if you go back and look at First But if you go back and look at First But if you go back and look at First Kings 17:1 where Elijah tells Ahab that Kings 17:1 where Elijah tells Ahab that Kings 17:1 where Elijah tells Ahab that a drought is coming because of Ahab's a drought is coming because of Ahab's a drought is coming because of Ahab's disobedience. If you look there, God disobedience. If you look there, God disobedience. If you look there, God didn't actually tell Elijah to say that, didn't actually tell Elijah to say that, didn't actually tell Elijah to say that, did he? At least not in our story. We did he? At least not in our story. We did he? At least not in our story. We can't find it in there. The first time can't find it in there. The first time can't find it in there. The first time the word actually says that the word of the word actually says that the word of the word actually says that the word of God came to Elijah. So, it does tell us God came to Elijah. So, it does tell us God came to Elijah. So, it does tell us specifically what God says and when he specifically what God says and when he specifically what God says and when he says it to Elijah. But the first time says it to Elijah. But the first time says it to Elijah. But the first time you see that is in verse two, the verse you see that is in verse two, the verse you see that is in verse two, the verse right after Elijah calls on the drought. right after Elijah calls on the drought. right after Elijah calls on the drought. And what does God specifically say to And what does God specifically say to And what does God specifically say to Elijah about this declaration that he Elijah about this declaration that he Elijah about this declaration that he just made about Ahab and about God just made about Ahab and about God just made about Ahab and about God sending this drought from Deuteronomy sending this drought from Deuteronomy sending this drought from Deuteronomy 11? Look at it again. It says, "And the 11? Look at it again. It says, "And the 11? Look at it again. It says, "And the word of the Lord came to him and said, word of the Lord came to him and said, word of the Lord came to him and said, Depart from here and turn eastward and Depart from here and turn eastward and Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, hide yourself by the brook Cherith, hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan, and you which is east of the Jordan, and you which is east of the Jordan, and you shall drink from the brook. and I've shall drink from the brook. and I've shall drink from the brook. and I've commanded the ravens to feed you there." commanded the ravens to feed you there." commanded the ravens to feed you there." Now, why would God say that specifically Now, why would God say that specifically Now, why would God say that specifically to him after he says, "God's going to do to him after he says, "God's going to do to him after he says, "God's going to do Deuteronomy 11 on you, Ahab.

Deuteronomy 11 on you, Ahab. Deuteronomy 11 on you, Ahab. Here it comes." Here it comes." Here it comes." Well, it's interesting that God says, Well, it's interesting that God says, Well, it's interesting that God says, "Hey, go down by this brook. I'm going "Hey, go down by this brook. I'm going "Hey, go down by this brook. I'm going to take care of you there and let you to take care of you there and let you to take care of you there and let you drink even though a drought's coming on drink even though a drought's coming on drink even though a drought's coming on the earth, and I'm going to feed you by the earth, and I'm going to feed you by the earth, and I'm going to feed you by the ravens." the ravens." the ravens." I mean, God could have fed Elijah any I mean, God could have fed Elijah any I mean, God could have fed Elijah any way he wanted to, couldn't he? He could way he wanted to, couldn't he? He could way he wanted to, couldn't he? He could have brought food down from heaven just have brought food down from heaven just have brought food down from heaven just like he did with the people of Israel like he did with the people of Israel like he did with the people of Israel when they were wandering through the when they were wandering through the when they were wandering through the desert with Moses. He could have baked desert with Moses. He could have baked desert with Moses. He could have baked him a cake on a stone like we see an him a cake on a stone like we see an him a cake on a stone like we see an angel do later in this very story. He angel do later in this very story. He angel do later in this very story. He just wakes up and there's cake on a just wakes up and there's cake on a just wakes up and there's cake on a stone for him to eat and to nourish stone for him to eat and to nourish stone for him to eat and to nourish himself. He could have done that. Why himself. He could have done that. Why himself. He could have done that. Why ravens here? Well, I think God's doing ravens here? Well, I think God's doing ravens here? Well, I think God's doing something interesting in sending him something interesting in sending him something interesting in sending him food by ravens because ravens are food by ravens because ravens are food by ravens because ravens are scavengers, aren't they? scavengers, aren't they? scavengers, aren't they? Ravens don't kill their own food. For a Ravens don't kill their own food. For a Ravens don't kill their own food. For a raven to bring you food that you can eat raven to bring you food that you can eat raven to bring you food that you can eat means they got it from somewhere else means they got it from somewhere else means they got it from somewhere else and from someone else. and from someone else. and from someone else. And I think God's subtly starting to And I think God's subtly starting to And I think God's subtly starting to make a point to Elijah, even in the way make a point to Elijah, even in the way make a point to Elijah, even in the way that he's bringing him food, someone that he's bringing him food, someone that he's bringing him food, someone else is going to have to go hungry for else is going to have to go hungry for else is going to have to go hungry for for you to be taken care of because of for you to be taken care of because of for you to be taken care of because of this drought you've called on the earth.

this drought you've called on the earth. this drought you've called on the earth. And see, we we we we look at what Elijah And see, we we we we look at what Elijah And see, we we we we look at what Elijah does in this story and calling out does in this story and calling out does in this story and calling out Ahab's evil ways and declaring a drought Ahab's evil ways and declaring a drought Ahab's evil ways and declaring a drought based on God's promises. and then based on God's promises. and then based on God's promises. and then mocking the prophets of Baal the way mocking the prophets of Baal the way mocking the prophets of Baal the way that he does at that great scene and that he does at that great scene and that he does at that great scene and then rallying the people to help him then rallying the people to help him then rallying the people to help him slaughter them. And a lot of us say, slaughter them. And a lot of us say, slaughter them. And a lot of us say, "Yes, that's how you do it. That's how "Yes, that's how you do it. That's how "Yes, that's how you do it. That's how you stand up for God. That's how you you stand up for God. That's how you you stand up for God. That's how you call out evil with confidence. That's call out evil with confidence. That's call out evil with confidence. That's how you declare God's judgment on the how you declare God's judgment on the how you declare God's judgment on the earth. and you threaten evil people and earth. and you threaten evil people and earth. and you threaten evil people and you set up a standoff and and you and you set up a standoff and and you and you set up a standoff and and you and you trust God to come through and yes, you trust God to come through and yes, you trust God to come through and yes, maybe even mock the other side a little maybe even mock the other side a little maybe even mock the other side a little bit when you see their way failing bit when you see their way failing bit when you see their way failing because you need everyone to know how because you need everyone to know how because you need everyone to know how ridiculous they are. And then you ridiculous they are. And then you ridiculous they are. And then you destroy them all when public sentiment destroy them all when public sentiment destroy them all when public sentiment turns to your side like it did to him turns to your side like it did to him turns to your side like it did to him when the people said, "The Lord's God. when the people said, "The Lord's God. when the people said, "The Lord's God. Look at his power. Let's go kill all the Look at his power. Let's go kill all the Look at his power. Let's go kill all the prophets. Yeah, let's get them." Like, prophets. Yeah, let's get them." Like, prophets. Yeah, let's get them." Like, we look at that and we say, "Yes, that's we look at that and we say, "Yes, that's we look at that and we say, "Yes, that's how you do it." how you do it." how you do it." And I want to say this this morning. I And I want to say this this morning. I And I want to say this this morning. I need you to hear this. There are times need you to hear this. There are times need you to hear this. There are times in the Old Testament that we see very in the Old Testament that we see very in the Old Testament that we see very clearly where God commands his people to clearly where God commands his people to clearly where God commands his people to do something this dramatic. There are do something this dramatic. There are do something this dramatic. There are there are times where God commands his there are times where God commands his there are times where God commands his people to judge wickedness on the earth people to judge wickedness on the earth people to judge wickedness on the earth in the kinds of ways we see in this in the kinds of ways we see in this in the kinds of ways we see in this story. There are times where God calls story. There are times where God calls story. There are times where God calls his people to go to war against nations his people to go to war against nations his people to go to war against nations who are oppressing others and hurting who are oppressing others and hurting who are oppressing others and hurting others in terrible ways. So, it's not others in terrible ways. So, it's not others in terrible ways. So, it's not out of God's character to do something out of God's character to do something out of God's character to do something like that. When he needs to, he will like that. When he needs to, he will like that. When he needs to, he will call his people to do that.

call his people to do that. call his people to do that. What's interesting is in this particular What's interesting is in this particular What's interesting is in this particular incident, right off the bat, God starts incident, right off the bat, God starts incident, right off the bat, God starts to show Elijah something that even to show Elijah something that even to show Elijah something that even though he's going to honor Deuteronomy though he's going to honor Deuteronomy though he's going to honor Deuteronomy 11 and the promise that he made, even 11 and the promise that he made, even 11 and the promise that he made, even though he's going to bring the drought though he's going to bring the drought though he's going to bring the drought that Elijah calls for, think because he that Elijah calls for, think because he that Elijah calls for, think because he does want to judge Ahab and Jezebel. I does want to judge Ahab and Jezebel. I does want to judge Ahab and Jezebel. I think he does want to show the people think he does want to show the people think he does want to show the people something and turn their hearts back to something and turn their hearts back to something and turn their hearts back to him, but he also wants to show Elijah him, but he also wants to show Elijah him, but he also wants to show Elijah something about his heart. Right? something about his heart. Right? something about his heart. Right? In the midst of this, God starts to show In the midst of this, God starts to show In the midst of this, God starts to show Elijah that even though he loves Elijah that even though he loves Elijah that even though he loves Elijah's passion, and he does, and even Elijah's passion, and he does, and even Elijah's passion, and he does, and even though he loves Elijah's heart for his though he loves Elijah's heart for his though he loves Elijah's heart for his word, and he does, and even though he's word, and he does, and even though he's word, and he does, and even though he's going to use Elijah to glorify himself going to use Elijah to glorify himself going to use Elijah to glorify himself in more amazing ways than I could ever in more amazing ways than I could ever in more amazing ways than I could ever imagine in my relationship with God, and imagine in my relationship with God, and imagine in my relationship with God, and he does. I think God wants him and us to he does. I think God wants him and us to he does. I think God wants him and us to see there is a cost to invoking God's see there is a cost to invoking God's see there is a cost to invoking God's judgment and God's power when God's not judgment and God's power when God's not judgment and God's power when God's not necessarily asking you to do it yet necessarily asking you to do it yet necessarily asking you to do it yet and how God's asking you to do it. See, and how God's asking you to do it. See, and how God's asking you to do it. See, when we're passionate about God's when we're passionate about God's when we're passionate about God's message, but we don't use the specific message, but we don't use the specific message, but we don't use the specific methods he's asking us to in each methods he's asking us to in each methods he's asking us to in each situation, when we don't listen to the situation, when we don't listen to the situation, when we don't listen to the still small voice that God shows Elijah still small voice that God shows Elijah still small voice that God shows Elijah that he's trying to speak to him through that he's trying to speak to him through that he's trying to speak to him through in the cave later, right? When we don't in the cave later, right? When we don't in the cave later, right? When we don't do that, God says there can be a do that, God says there can be a do that, God says there can be a downside that many of us don't consider.

downside that many of us don't consider. downside that many of us don't consider. Many of us assume as long as I'm Many of us assume as long as I'm Many of us assume as long as I'm standing for the right things in our standing for the right things in our standing for the right things in our culture and hating the right people, culture and hating the right people, culture and hating the right people, then God's always going to come through then God's always going to come through then God's always going to come through because I'm standing for the right because I'm standing for the right because I'm standing for the right things. things. things. The ends justify the means so many times The ends justify the means so many times The ends justify the means so many times in our minds, in our hearts as in our minds, in our hearts as in our minds, in our hearts as believers. I think this story has believers. I think this story has believers. I think this story has something to say to us, particularly in something to say to us, particularly in something to say to us, particularly in our culture today our culture today our culture today where so many of us are getting angrier where so many of us are getting angrier where so many of us are getting angrier and angrier and angrier and more and and angrier and angrier and more and and angrier and angrier and more and more zealous against the evil we see in more zealous against the evil we see in more zealous against the evil we see in the world. And we're calling on God to the world. And we're calling on God to the world. And we're calling on God to judge and to show that his way is right judge and to show that his way is right judge and to show that his way is right and that their way is wrong. And this and that their way is wrong. And this and that their way is wrong. And this kind of scene is something we would love kind of scene is something we would love kind of scene is something we would love to see God do in our day today. to see God do in our day today. to see God do in our day today. And it's not that he can't do it. And And it's not that he can't do it. And And it's not that he can't do it. And it's not that he won't do it. He might it's not that he won't do it. He might it's not that he won't do it. He might do it. It's in his character to do it, do it. It's in his character to do it, do it. It's in his character to do it, but we need to make sure he's the one but we need to make sure he's the one but we need to make sure he's the one asking us to do that. We're not trying asking us to do that. We're not trying asking us to do that. We're not trying to force him to do that in our timing, to force him to do that in our timing, to force him to do that in our timing, in our way. in our way. in our way. Incidentally, we also see the same kind Incidentally, we also see the same kind Incidentally, we also see the same kind of struggle that Elijah is having in his of struggle that Elijah is having in his of struggle that Elijah is having in his zeal and his zealousness and his anger zeal and his zealousness and his anger zeal and his zealousness and his anger against sin in the other greatest against sin in the other greatest against sin in the other greatest prophet that we mentioned in the Old prophet that we mentioned in the Old prophet that we mentioned in the Old Testament. Moses actually goes through a Testament. Moses actually goes through a Testament. Moses actually goes through a similar thing in his relationship with similar thing in his relationship with similar thing in his relationship with God in Numbers 20, doesn't he? Does God in Numbers 20, doesn't he? Does God in Numbers 20, doesn't he? Does anyone remember the story of Moses anyone remember the story of Moses anyone remember the story of Moses striking the rock, right? What [snorts] striking the rock, right? What [snorts] striking the rock, right? What [snorts] did God tell Moses in Numbers 20 to do did God tell Moses in Numbers 20 to do did God tell Moses in Numbers 20 to do when it came to bringing water out of when it came to bringing water out of when it came to bringing water out of the rock for the people? Do you the rock for the people? Do you the rock for the people? Do you remember? He said, "Speak to the rock, remember? He said, "Speak to the rock, remember? He said, "Speak to the rock, Moses. just tell it to bring forth water Moses. just tell it to bring forth water Moses. just tell it to bring forth water for the people and that's how I want to for the people and that's how I want to for the people and that's how I want to bring forth water for the people. What bring forth water for the people. What bring forth water for the people. What Moses does that's interesting is he's so Moses does that's interesting is he's so Moses does that's interesting is he's so angry with the people for their sin.

angry with the people for their sin. angry with the people for their sin. He's so zealous for God and for his He's so zealous for God and for his He's so zealous for God and for his righteousness. He's so frustrated with righteousness. He's so frustrated with righteousness. He's so frustrated with the people at this point. He lines them the people at this point. He lines them the people at this point. He lines them all up in a line and he says, "You all up in a line and he says, "You all up in a line and he says, "You wicked evil people." wicked evil people." wicked evil people." And then he says, "Behold, you want And then he says, "Behold, you want And then he says, "Behold, you want water from the rock? Here's your water water from the rock? Here's your water water from the rock? Here's your water from the rock." And he strikes the rock from the rock." And he strikes the rock from the rock." And he strikes the rock twice with his staff. I think there's twice with his staff. I think there's twice with his staff. I think there's actually a lot more going on there in actually a lot more going on there in actually a lot more going on there in the reason why God does what does does the reason why God does what does does the reason why God does what does does with Moses when it comes to that. You with Moses when it comes to that. You with Moses when it comes to that. You can take me to lunch sometime. I can't can take me to lunch sometime. I can't can take me to lunch sometime. I can't preach that message today. Can barely preach that message today. Can barely preach that message today. Can barely preach this message today. I got to preach this message today. I got to preach this message today. I got to hurry. It's fascinating what he does hurry. It's fascinating what he does hurry. It's fascinating what he does there. But even in that moment, you see there. But even in that moment, you see there. But even in that moment, you see one of the greatest prophets. I mean, a one of the greatest prophets. I mean, a one of the greatest prophets. I mean, a prophet who told God over and over again prophet who told God over and over again prophet who told God over and over again when God threatened to destroy the when God threatened to destroy the when God threatened to destroy the people, "God, take my life instead of people, "God, take my life instead of people, "God, take my life instead of theirs." He's a picture of Jesus's mercy theirs." He's a picture of Jesus's mercy theirs." He's a picture of Jesus's mercy and and and sacrificial love. Moses is and and and sacrificial love. Moses is and and and sacrificial love. Moses is so many times over and over and over. so many times over and over and over. so many times over and over and over. And yet because his heart had grown to And yet because his heart had grown to And yet because his heart had grown to this place of bitterness and frustration this place of bitterness and frustration this place of bitterness and frustration and anger and God said, "Do it this and anger and God said, "Do it this and anger and God said, "Do it this way." And he said, "I'm going to do it way." And he said, "I'm going to do it way." And he said, "I'm going to do it this way, God." this way, God." this way, God." God sends the water from the rock. God sends the water from the rock. God sends the water from the rock. That's what's interesting. He still That's what's interesting. He still That's what's interesting. He still honors what he told Moses he would do.

honors what he told Moses he would do. honors what he told Moses he would do. But then he says, "But you're not going But then he says, "But you're not going But then he says, "But you're not going to get to enter into the promised land to get to enter into the promised land to get to enter into the promised land with the people, doesn't he? with the people, doesn't he? with the people, doesn't he? Because you didn't do it how I told you Because you didn't do it how I told you Because you didn't do it how I told you to do it. You didn't do it in the way I to do it. You didn't do it in the way I to do it. You didn't do it in the way I told you to do it. You didn't do it with told you to do it. You didn't do it with told you to do it. You didn't do it with the heart I told you to do it." Moses. the heart I told you to do it." Moses. the heart I told you to do it." Moses. Again, Moses is the greatest prophet Again, Moses is the greatest prophet Again, Moses is the greatest prophet ever before Jesus comes along. So, it's ever before Jesus comes along. So, it's ever before Jesus comes along. So, it's not to disparrage Moses, but I think not to disparrage Moses, but I think not to disparrage Moses, but I think God's showing us something here in these God's showing us something here in these God's showing us something here in these two men, in the way they go about their two men, in the way they go about their two men, in the way they go about their ministry here that he wants us to learn ministry here that he wants us to learn ministry here that he wants us to learn from and to grow from. from and to grow from. from and to grow from. There's a way that we incite certain There's a way that we incite certain There's a way that we incite certain problems in our relationship with others problems in our relationship with others problems in our relationship with others and with God when we step outside of his and with God when we step outside of his and with God when we step outside of his will in some ways to accomplish his will in some ways to accomplish his will in some ways to accomplish his will. And one of the first problems we will. And one of the first problems we will. And one of the first problems we see in Elijah's story here is that when see in Elijah's story here is that when see in Elijah's story here is that when we don't follow God's specific methods we don't follow God's specific methods we don't follow God's specific methods in a given situation, we can actually in a given situation, we can actually in a given situation, we can actually hurt the people that God loves in his hurt the people that God loves in his hurt the people that God loves in his name. We do things in the name of God name. We do things in the name of God name. We do things in the name of God that actually hurt people that he loves. that actually hurt people that he loves. that actually hurt people that he loves. Like we said, Elijah's only thinking Like we said, Elijah's only thinking Like we said, Elijah's only thinking about this epic battle for good over about this epic battle for good over about this epic battle for good over evil between him and Ahab, right? evil between him and Ahab, right? evil between him and Ahab, right? Between God and Baal as if no one else Between God and Baal as if no one else Between God and Baal as if no one else matters. Not thinking about all the matters. Not thinking about all the matters. Not thinking about all the innocent people in Israel that a drought innocent people in Israel that a drought innocent people in Israel that a drought is going to hurt. First of all, Elijah is going to hurt. First of all, Elijah is going to hurt. First of all, Elijah hurts himself. God sends him to a brook hurts himself. God sends him to a brook hurts himself. God sends him to a brook to take care of him for a while and to take care of him for a while and to take care of him for a while and brings the ravens to bring him food. But brings the ravens to bring him food. But brings the ravens to bring him food. But eventually the brook dries up. Now he's eventually the brook dries up. Now he's eventually the brook dries up. Now he's starving. Now he's going to die of starving. Now he's going to die of starving. Now he's going to die of thirst. And what's fascinating is, and I thirst. And what's fascinating is, and I thirst. And what's fascinating is, and I think God to drive this point home even think God to drive this point home even think God to drive this point home even firmer with him, says, "You know where firmer with him, says, "You know where firmer with him, says, "You know where I'm going to send you to get your next I'm going to send you to get your next I'm going to send you to get your next meal, Elijah? I'm going to send you to a meal, Elijah? I'm going to send you to a meal, Elijah? I'm going to send you to a widow and her child." The two most widow and her child." The two most widow and her child." The two most vulnerable people in that culture in

vulnerable people in that culture in vulnerable people in that culture in that day. You don't get more vulnerable that day. You don't get more vulnerable that day. You don't get more vulnerable than a widow who doesn't have a husband than a widow who doesn't have a husband than a widow who doesn't have a husband to help provide for her, which in that to help provide for her, which in that to help provide for her, which in that culture was almost a death sentence. And culture was almost a death sentence. And culture was almost a death sentence. And she has a dependent child on her. And she has a dependent child on her. And she has a dependent child on her. And when he shows up at their house, it's when he shows up at their house, it's when he shows up at their house, it's not like they have two months worth of not like they have two months worth of not like they have two months worth of food or even two weeks worth of food. food or even two weeks worth of food. food or even two weeks worth of food. They're making their last meal. Don't They're making their last meal. Don't They're making their last meal. Don't think that's a mistake. They show up and think that's a mistake. They show up and think that's a mistake. They show up and God brings them to this house where this God brings them to this house where this God brings them to this house where this drought that Elijah's called on to do drought that Elijah's called on to do drought that Elijah's called on to do battle with the forces of evil has battle with the forces of evil has battle with the forces of evil has caused this widow and her child to come caused this widow and her child to come caused this widow and her child to come down to their They're like, "We're going down to their They're like, "We're going down to their They're like, "We're going to cook it and we're going to die. This to cook it and we're going to die. This to cook it and we're going to die. This is it. Now, God does something is it. Now, God does something is it. Now, God does something miraculous with Elijah, right? Because I miraculous with Elijah, right? Because I miraculous with Elijah, right? Because I want he wants to sustain Elijah's life. want he wants to sustain Elijah's life. want he wants to sustain Elijah's life. I think he wants to show him something I think he wants to show him something I think he wants to show him something about God. He wants to teach him in this about God. He wants to teach him in this about God. He wants to teach him in this moment. So, he keeps the food going day moment. So, he keeps the food going day moment. So, he keeps the food going day after day. The oil never runs out. It's after day. The oil never runs out. It's after day. The oil never runs out. It's a miraculous thing. Some of you know the a miraculous thing. Some of you know the a miraculous thing. Some of you know the the the story there. And what's the the story there. And what's the the story there. And what's interesting is Elijah experiences in interesting is Elijah experiences in interesting is Elijah experiences in that moment what a lot of us do. A lot that moment what a lot of us do. A lot that moment what a lot of us do. A lot of us have this kind of zeal and this of us have this kind of zeal and this of us have this kind of zeal and this anger and this hatred of evil on the anger and this hatred of evil on the anger and this hatred of evil on the earth and of the people that are earth and of the people that are earth and of the people that are perpetuating it. And we can kind of yell perpetuating it. And we can kind of yell perpetuating it. And we can kind of yell at the group from afar with lots of at the group from afar with lots of at the group from afar with lots of anger and zeal. But then when God puts anger and zeal. But then when God puts anger and zeal. But then when God puts us in a specific relationship with a us in a specific relationship with a us in a specific relationship with a specific person who's doing some of specific person who's doing some of specific person who's doing some of those things or struggling to believe those things or struggling to believe those things or struggling to believe God in some of those ways, it's God in some of those ways, it's God in some of those ways, it's interesting how in a relationship we can interesting how in a relationship we can interesting how in a relationship we can have a totally different perspective, have a totally different perspective, have a totally different perspective, can't we? When you get up close and can't we? When you get up close and can't we? When you get up close and personal with someone made in God's personal with someone made in God's personal with someone made in God's image who's struggling to believe him image who's struggling to believe him image who's struggling to believe him the way that they they should, man, we the way that they they should, man, we the way that they they should, man, we get more compassionate in that moment.

get more compassionate in that moment. get more compassionate in that moment. We bring more understanding to the We bring more understanding to the We bring more understanding to the table. We reflect Christ. in so many table. We reflect Christ. in so many table. We reflect Christ. in so many ways. And then we back up and yell back ways. And then we back up and yell back ways. And then we back up and yell back at the group again, right? at the group again, right? at the group again, right? What's interesting is when this widow's What's interesting is when this widow's What's interesting is when this widow's son dies son dies son dies while Elijah's there, he gets mad at while Elijah's there, he gets mad at while Elijah's there, he gets mad at God. God. God. God, how could you let this widow who's God, how could you let this widow who's God, how could you let this widow who's been taking care of me, sustaining me, been taking care of me, sustaining me, been taking care of me, sustaining me, and feeding me these miracles through us and feeding me these miracles through us and feeding me these miracles through us together? How can you let her child die together? How can you let her child die together? How can you let her child die in this way? And he lays down, prays, in this way? And he lays down, prays, in this way? And he lays down, prays, and he prays, and he prays, and God and he prays, and he prays, and God and he prays, and he prays, and God resurrects the child. I think trying to resurrects the child. I think trying to resurrects the child. I think trying to show Elijah right Elijah you care about show Elijah right Elijah you care about show Elijah right Elijah you care about the individual with my heart. Now I need the individual with my heart. Now I need the individual with my heart. Now I need you to listen to my voice when it comes you to listen to my voice when it comes you to listen to my voice when it comes to the bigger picture as well in these to the bigger picture as well in these to the bigger picture as well in these ways. ways. ways. Fascinating what we see him do, right? Fascinating what we see him do, right? Fascinating what we see him do, right? Fascinating what we see God do. But make Fascinating what we see God do. But make Fascinating what we see God do. But make no mistake, I think God sends him there no mistake, I think God sends him there no mistake, I think God sends him there to show Elijah that God cares about good to show Elijah that God cares about good to show Elijah that God cares about good and evil, right? He brings the drought. and evil, right? He brings the drought. and evil, right? He brings the drought. He honors his word. God cares about idol He honors his word. God cares about idol He honors his word. God cares about idol worship and bad kings. And God has a worship and bad kings. And God has a worship and bad kings. And God has a plan, I think, to deal with it in his plan, I think, to deal with it in his plan, I think, to deal with it in his timing and in his way if Elijah would timing and in his way if Elijah would timing and in his way if Elijah would have waited for God to say, "Now you go have waited for God to say, "Now you go have waited for God to say, "Now you go call. I'm I'm telling you now to do call. I'm I'm telling you now to do call. I'm I'm telling you now to do this, Elijah." I think God would have this, Elijah." I think God would have this, Elijah." I think God would have done that at some point or would have done that at some point or would have done that at some point or would have done it in some other way if Elijah done it in some other way if Elijah done it in some other way if Elijah would have listened and waited for that would have listened and waited for that would have listened and waited for that still small voice.

still small voice. still small voice. See, God may not always do the things See, God may not always do the things See, God may not always do the things the way we want in our timing because the way we want in our timing because the way we want in our timing because God's fulfilling his promises, thinking God's fulfilling his promises, thinking God's fulfilling his promises, thinking about everyone that his judgment and about everyone that his judgment and about everyone that his judgment and justice affects, not just Elijah. justice affects, not just Elijah. justice affects, not just Elijah. But not only that, we see that when But not only that, we see that when But not only that, we see that when we're passionate about God's message, we're passionate about God's message, we're passionate about God's message, but we don't follow his specific methods but we don't follow his specific methods but we don't follow his specific methods in a given situation, not only can we in a given situation, not only can we in a given situation, not only can we hurt ourselves and others, we can also hurt ourselves and others, we can also hurt ourselves and others, we can also stir up the anger of those God's trying stir up the anger of those God's trying stir up the anger of those God's trying to save possibly in the name of God. to save possibly in the name of God. to save possibly in the name of God. Listen, Ahab's a bad king. He's a bad Listen, Ahab's a bad king. He's a bad Listen, Ahab's a bad king. He's a bad king. When he marries Jezebel, who by king. When he marries Jezebel, who by king. When he marries Jezebel, who by the way wasn't just a believer in Baal, the way wasn't just a believer in Baal, the way wasn't just a believer in Baal, she was a high priestess in the house in she was a high priestess in the house in she was a high priestess in the house in the temple of Baal. She's just as bad, the temple of Baal. She's just as bad, the temple of Baal. She's just as bad, if not worse. But if we look back at the if not worse. But if we look back at the if not worse. But if we look back at the story, all God told Elijah to do to story, all God told Elijah to do to story, all God told Elijah to do to break the drought and to bring relief to break the drought and to bring relief to break the drought and to bring relief to the people was to go and show himself to the people was to go and show himself to the people was to go and show himself to Ahab. That's what God told him to do. Ahab. That's what God told him to do. Ahab. That's what God told him to do. Said, "I want you to go and show Said, "I want you to go and show Said, "I want you to go and show yourself to Ahab." Look at again. He yourself to Ahab." Look at again. He yourself to Ahab." Look at again. He says, "After many days, the word of the says, "After many days, the word of the says, "After many days, the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, Lord came to Elijah in the third year, Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, "Go and show yourself to Ahab, saying, "Go and show yourself to Ahab, saying, "Go and show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth."

and I will send rain upon the earth." and I will send rain upon the earth." Did God tell Elijah to make a big show Did God tell Elijah to make a big show Did God tell Elijah to make a big show of it? of it? of it? I don't see that here. Did God tell I don't see that here. Did God tell I don't see that here. Did God tell Elijah to set up these altars and to Elijah to set up these altars and to Elijah to set up these altars and to call down fire and to slaughter all call down fire and to slaughter all call down fire and to slaughter all these prophets? I I don't see that in these prophets? I I don't see that in these prophets? I I don't see that in what he tells them to do. He just says, what he tells them to do. He just says, what he tells them to do. He just says, "Go show yourself to Ahab, please." At "Go show yourself to Ahab, please." At "Go show yourself to Ahab, please." At least not in this story. We don't see least not in this story. We don't see least not in this story. We don't see it. It makes me wonder what what if God it. It makes me wonder what what if God it. It makes me wonder what what if God had had a plan. If Elijah just shown up had had a plan. If Elijah just shown up had had a plan. If Elijah just shown up and showed himself to Ahab and said, and showed himself to Ahab and said, and showed himself to Ahab and said, "Behold, the prophet of the one true God "Behold, the prophet of the one true God "Behold, the prophet of the one true God and the rain had come." and the rain had come." and the rain had come." What if Ahab had fallen on his face and What if Ahab had fallen on his face and What if Ahab had fallen on his face and repented and said, "Oh my gosh, look at repented and said, "Oh my gosh, look at repented and said, "Oh my gosh, look at the glory of God." What if Jezebel had the glory of God." What if Jezebel had the glory of God." What if Jezebel had said, "That is the one true God." What said, "That is the one true God." What said, "That is the one true God." What if those 450 prophets who he slaughtered if those 450 prophets who he slaughtered if those 450 prophets who he slaughtered had fallen on their faces and said, had fallen on their faces and said, had fallen on their faces and said, "Look, the one true God." We we don't "Look, the one true God." We we don't "Look, the one true God." We we don't know. know. know. God said, "Go show yourself." Elijah God said, "Go show yourself." Elijah God said, "Go show yourself." Elijah said, "Well, I'm gonna show myself." said, "Well, I'm gonna show myself." said, "Well, I'm gonna show myself." And when we're going to do something And when we're going to do something And when we're going to do something that's going to blow the people away, that's going to blow the people away, that's going to blow the people away, right? That's going to blow everyone right? That's going to blow everyone right? That's going to blow everyone away. Because Elijah stands up for God away. Because Elijah stands up for God away. Because Elijah stands up for God in a way that's bold to be sure. But in a way that's bold to be sure. But in a way that's bold to be sure. But notice in the story, it's also mocking.

notice in the story, it's also mocking. notice in the story, it's also mocking. Specifically, it says he's mocking Baal, Specifically, it says he's mocking Baal, Specifically, it says he's mocking Baal, mocking them. There's a part of us mocking them. There's a part of us mocking them. There's a part of us that's like, "Yeah, man. Isn't that that's like, "Yeah, man. Isn't that that's like, "Yeah, man. Isn't that great?" great?" great?" I'm not sure. I'm not sure making fun of I'm not sure. I'm not sure making fun of I'm not sure. I'm not sure making fun of the way that everyone around us is the way that everyone around us is the way that everyone around us is struggling to trust the one true God is struggling to trust the one true God is struggling to trust the one true God is the one true God and mocking them and the one true God and mocking them and the one true God and mocking them and proddding at them and pointing the proddding at them and pointing the proddding at them and pointing the finger at them and slaughtering their finger at them and slaughtering their finger at them and slaughtering their pro. I'm not sure that really is what pro. I'm not sure that really is what pro. I'm not sure that really is what God's essence to do to to call people to God's essence to do to to call people to God's essence to do to to call people to himself. himself. himself. Now, does he do that at times in the Now, does he do that at times in the Now, does he do that at times in the scriptures? He does. And again, he's God scriptures? He does. And again, he's God scriptures? He does. And again, he's God and I'm not. That's the amazing thing and I'm not. That's the amazing thing and I'm not. That's the amazing thing about our God is he is the only one who about our God is he is the only one who about our God is he is the only one who knows how to hold the tension of justice knows how to hold the tension of justice knows how to hold the tension of justice and judgment which he brings when he and judgment which he brings when he and judgment which he brings when he needs to. Because there are people needs to. Because there are people needs to. Because there are people hurting innocent people all the time hurting innocent people all the time hurting innocent people all the time that need justice brought on them. Amen. that need justice brought on them. Amen. that need justice brought on them. Amen. Amen. There are people that are doing Amen. There are people that are doing Amen. There are people that are doing terrible things like Ahab and Jezebel terrible things like Ahab and Jezebel terrible things like Ahab and Jezebel that need justice brought on them. And that need justice brought on them. And that need justice brought on them. And God will do that in his timing. I God will do that in his timing. I God will do that in his timing. I believe he does that. At the same time believe he does that. At the same time believe he does that. At the same time though, God's balancing that with his though, God's balancing that with his though, God's balancing that with his patience and his mercy with all sinners patience and his mercy with all sinners patience and his mercy with all sinners who are not walking with him the way who are not walking with him the way who are not walking with him the way that he wants to. And he's constantly that he wants to. And he's constantly that he wants to. And he's constantly balancing mercy and justice and mercy balancing mercy and justice and mercy balancing mercy and justice and mercy and judgment and patience and kindness and judgment and patience and kindness and judgment and patience and kindness and justice on the earth. He's doing and justice on the earth. He's doing and justice on the earth. He's doing that in Isaiah 55 way. His ways are not that in Isaiah 55 way. His ways are not that in Isaiah 55 way. His ways are not our ways. He's the only one that knows our ways. He's the only one that knows our ways. He's the only one that knows how to do that in complete how to do that in complete how to do that in complete righteousness. I don't. You don't. I righteousness. I don't. You don't. I righteousness. I don't. You don't. I don't think Elijah does in this point don't think Elijah does in this point don't think Elijah does in this point either.

either. either. So, I think God's saying, "Listen, I So, I think God's saying, "Listen, I So, I think God's saying, "Listen, I need you to listen to that still small need you to listen to that still small need you to listen to that still small voice in how I'm asking you to go about voice in how I'm asking you to go about voice in how I'm asking you to go about this, to go about what I'm asking you to this, to go about what I'm asking you to this, to go about what I'm asking you to do." I know it can be a little confusing do." I know it can be a little confusing do." I know it can be a little confusing because we can look at this story and we because we can look at this story and we because we can look at this story and we can say, "Well, gee, if if God's not can say, "Well, gee, if if God's not can say, "Well, gee, if if God's not asking Elijah to bring a drought, then asking Elijah to bring a drought, then asking Elijah to bring a drought, then why did God send the drought?" If God's why did God send the drought?" If God's why did God send the drought?" If God's not asking Elijah to call on fire from not asking Elijah to call on fire from not asking Elijah to call on fire from heaven, then why did God send the fire heaven, then why did God send the fire heaven, then why did God send the fire from heaven? That's how amazing I think from heaven? That's how amazing I think from heaven? That's how amazing I think our God is. In the same way that I would our God is. In the same way that I would our God is. In the same way that I would say God just told Moses to call water say God just told Moses to call water say God just told Moses to call water from the rock, but when he struck it, from the rock, but when he struck it, from the rock, but when he struck it, God still sent the water from the rock. God still sent the water from the rock. God still sent the water from the rock. That's how incredible God is. We can That's how incredible God is. We can That's how incredible God is. We can call on a [clears throat] drought to call on a [clears throat] drought to call on a [clears throat] drought to punish people and God can say, you know punish people and God can say, you know punish people and God can say, you know what, I'm going to send this drought what, I'm going to send this drought what, I'm going to send this drought because I do want to call people back to because I do want to call people back to because I do want to call people back to me. I do want Ahab and Jezebel to me. I do want Ahab and Jezebel to me. I do want Ahab and Jezebel to experience some things, but I also want experience some things, but I also want experience some things, but I also want to teach Elijah something about his to teach Elijah something about his to teach Elijah something about his heart. He can do all that multitasking heart. He can do all that multitasking heart. He can do all that multitasking in the same way in ways that blow my in the same way in ways that blow my in the same way in ways that blow my mind. I think he brought the fire from mind. I think he brought the fire from mind. I think he brought the fire from heaven in that moment on the prophets of heaven in that moment on the prophets of heaven in that moment on the prophets of of Baal and their offering or and and on of Baal and their offering or and and on of Baal and their offering or and and on Elijah's offering because I think God Elijah's offering because I think God Elijah's offering because I think God does want the people to see that he's does want the people to see that he's does want the people to see that he's the one true God and Baal's a false god.

the one true God and Baal's a false god. the one true God and Baal's a false god. I think he does want them to see that I think he does want them to see that I think he does want them to see that he's the only one that can do that and he's the only one that can do that and he's the only one that can do that and that and that Baal can't. And I think he that and that Baal can't. And I think he that and that Baal can't. And I think he wants Elijah to see something about this wants Elijah to see something about this wants Elijah to see something about this powerful moment that happens and what it powerful moment that happens and what it powerful moment that happens and what it doesn't produce that Elijah thinks it's doesn't produce that Elijah thinks it's doesn't produce that Elijah thinks it's going to produce. I think he's doing all going to produce. I think he's doing all going to produce. I think he's doing all of that together because he is truly of that together because he is truly of that together because he is truly amazing. amazing. amazing. Because you see, when Elijah brings this Because you see, when Elijah brings this Because you see, when Elijah brings this on the earth, all the mocking and all on the earth, all the mocking and all on the earth, all the mocking and all the sarcasm and all the violence that we the sarcasm and all the violence that we the sarcasm and all the violence that we see, man, that feels great when you're see, man, that feels great when you're see, man, that feels great when you're winning, doesn't it? That feels great winning, doesn't it? That feels great winning, doesn't it? That feels great when things are going your way. We love when things are going your way. We love when things are going your way. We love striking fear in the heart of our striking fear in the heart of our striking fear in the heart of our enemies when God's doing miraculous enemies when God's doing miraculous enemies when God's doing miraculous things and all the momentum is in our things and all the momentum is in our things and all the momentum is in our favor. But we got to remember it can favor. But we got to remember it can favor. But we got to remember it can change like that. If it's just about change like that. If it's just about change like that. If it's just about power, that's all it's about. It can power, that's all it's about. It can power, that's all it's about. It can change like that. And even though God's change like that. And even though God's change like that. And even though God's always more powerful than any other always more powerful than any other always more powerful than any other being in the universe or on the earth, I being in the universe or on the earth, I being in the universe or on the earth, I think he shows them that. He shows think he shows them that. He shows think he shows them that. He shows Elijah that in this story. Listen. Yes. Elijah that in this story. Listen. Yes. Elijah that in this story. Listen. Yes. When people see my power, they fall When people see my power, they fall When people see my power, they fall down. They say, "The Lord is God. The down. They say, "The Lord is God. The down. They say, "The Lord is God. The Lord is God." We see the people change Lord is God." We see the people change Lord is God." We see the people change their tune from Baal to God. The Lord is their tune from Baal to God. The Lord is their tune from Baal to God. The Lord is God. And he says, "Let's kill the God. And he says, "Let's kill the God. And he says, "Let's kill the prophets." And they're like, and they go prophets." And they're like, and they go prophets." And they're like, and they go down there and they kill them all. And down there and they kill them all. And down there and they kill them all. And they're all on his side. And I think they're all on his side. And I think they're all on his side. And I think Elijah thought like in the story of Elijah thought like in the story of Elijah thought like in the story of Gideon, "And now we're all going to go Gideon, "And now we're all going to go Gideon, "And now we're all going to go march on Jezrael and we're going to take march on Jezrael and we're going to take march on Jezrael and we're going to take out Jezebel and this thing's going to be out Jezebel and this thing's going to be out Jezebel and this thing's going to be over.

over. over. But that doesn't happen, does it? He But that doesn't happen, does it? He But that doesn't happen, does it? He runs to Jezrael. He beats Ahab's runs to Jezrael. He beats Ahab's runs to Jezrael. He beats Ahab's chariot. I don't get how that happened. chariot. I don't get how that happened. chariot. I don't get how that happened. While he's running, right, God says the While he's running, right, God says the While he's running, right, God says the Lord was with him. He did this amazing Lord was with him. He did this amazing Lord was with him. He did this amazing thing. He shows up there at the gates. thing. He shows up there at the gates. thing. He shows up there at the gates. Where are the people? Where are the people? Where are the people? All of a sudden, Jezebel says, "Oh, All of a sudden, Jezebel says, "Oh, All of a sudden, Jezebel says, "Oh, you're going to kill my prophets like you're going to kill my prophets like you're going to kill my prophets like that in some grand display of power. I'm that in some grand display of power. I'm that in some grand display of power. I'm not sleeping until you're dead, Elijah." not sleeping until you're dead, Elijah." not sleeping until you're dead, Elijah." And what's interesting is Elijah looks And what's interesting is Elijah looks And what's interesting is Elijah looks around and for all the power and for all around and for all the power and for all around and for all the power and for all the display and for all the the kind of the display and for all the the kind of the display and for all the the kind of man, look at how grand and great this man, look at how grand and great this man, look at how grand and great this is, there's nobody. is, there's nobody. is, there's nobody. I think that's why in one moment he's I think that's why in one moment he's I think that's why in one moment he's bold with Ahab, you troubler of Israel, bold with Ahab, you troubler of Israel, bold with Ahab, you troubler of Israel, you troubler of Israel. And then in two you troubler of Israel. And then in two you troubler of Israel. And then in two seconds it says, "And Elijah was afraid seconds it says, "And Elijah was afraid seconds it says, "And Elijah was afraid and he bolted for the hills." Right? and he bolted for the hills." Right? and he bolted for the hills." Right? Because when it's just about power and Because when it's just about power and Because when it's just about power and when we poke and prod the people that we when we poke and prod the people that we when we poke and prod the people that we think that God's angry at and hates, think that God's angry at and hates, think that God's angry at and hates, man, just know that can flip really man, just know that can flip really man, just know that can flip really quick if that's how we're going about quick if that's how we're going about quick if that's how we're going about trying to deliver the message of grace trying to deliver the message of grace trying to deliver the message of grace to people and love to people and God's to people and love to people and God's to people and love to people and God's glory to people in the midst of that. We glory to people in the midst of that. We glory to people in the midst of that. We need to ask and listen to his voice and need to ask and listen to his voice and need to ask and listen to his voice and follow his lead, not demand that he follow his lead, not demand that he follow his lead, not demand that he follows ours.

follows ours. follows ours. And I want to say this when I'm talking And I want to say this when I'm talking And I want to say this when I'm talking about this, just because I think that about this, just because I think that about this, just because I think that Elijah does prod Jezebel's anger and Elijah does prod Jezebel's anger and Elijah does prod Jezebel's anger and Ahab's anger and kind of provokes them Ahab's anger and kind of provokes them Ahab's anger and kind of provokes them in certain ways, I'm not saying we need in certain ways, I'm not saying we need in certain ways, I'm not saying we need to be afraid of sharing the gospel or to be afraid of sharing the gospel or to be afraid of sharing the gospel or the good news with people just because the good news with people just because the good news with people just because it might be offensive to them. The it might be offensive to them. The it might be offensive to them. The gospel is offensive. It's going to gospel is offensive. It's going to gospel is offensive. It's going to offend people. There are going to be offend people. There are going to be offend people. There are going to be people who be offended by the gospel, no people who be offended by the gospel, no people who be offended by the gospel, no matter how you share it, no matter how matter how you share it, no matter how matter how you share it, no matter how you say it. And there are times where you say it. And there are times where you say it. And there are times where God says, "Hey, enough is enough in God says, "Hey, enough is enough in God says, "Hey, enough is enough in history." And destroys evil kings when history." And destroys evil kings when history." And destroys evil kings when he's been patient enough like we've he's been patient enough like we've he's been patient enough like we've talked about. But here's what I want to talked about. But here's what I want to talked about. But here's what I want to say this morning. There's a difference say this morning. There's a difference say this morning. There's a difference between people getting offended by the between people getting offended by the between people getting offended by the message of the gospel and being message of the gospel and being message of the gospel and being offensive in how you share the gospel. offensive in how you share the gospel. offensive in how you share the gospel. Those are two different things. Those are two different things. Those are two different things. Jesus, people were offended by Jesus Jesus, people were offended by Jesus Jesus, people were offended by Jesus left and right, but I don't think Jesus left and right, but I don't think Jesus left and right, but I don't think Jesus was offensive in how he went about his was offensive in how he went about his was offensive in how he went about his ministry. ministry. ministry. I hope we're hearing what God's trying I hope we're hearing what God's trying I hope we're hearing what God's trying to say to us through this story today. to say to us through this story today. to say to us through this story today. Okay? I want you to hear this loud and Okay? I want you to hear this loud and Okay? I want you to hear this loud and clear. It's not that God would never do clear. It's not that God would never do clear. It's not that God would never do the kind of thing Elijah does here. We the kind of thing Elijah does here. We the kind of thing Elijah does here. We see God do this kind of thing in other see God do this kind of thing in other see God do this kind of thing in other places in scripture in his timing and places in scripture in his timing and places in scripture in his timing and for his glory. The point I think God's for his glory. The point I think God's for his glory. The point I think God's making in this story for us to see is making in this story for us to see is making in this story for us to see is just because God does this kind of thing just because God does this kind of thing just because God does this kind of thing sometimes in his wisdom and his timing, sometimes in his wisdom and his timing, sometimes in his wisdom and his timing, we need to be careful about going around we need to be careful about going around we need to be careful about going around assuming he wants to do this all the assuming he wants to do this all the assuming he wants to do this all the time in every situation and not ask him time in every situation and not ask him time in every situation and not ask him and not listen to his voice and not and not listen to his voice and not and not listen to his voice and not follow his lead. Because not only can we follow his lead. Because not only can we follow his lead. Because not only can we frustrate others when we don't use God's frustrate others when we don't use God's frustrate others when we don't use God's specific methods in a given situation to specific methods in a given situation to specific methods in a given situation to deliver his message to the world, but we

deliver his message to the world, but we deliver his message to the world, but we can also get frustrated ourselves with can also get frustrated ourselves with can also get frustrated ourselves with God, can't we? We can feel like he's God, can't we? We can feel like he's God, can't we? We can feel like he's letting us down somehow as we lay it all letting us down somehow as we lay it all letting us down somehow as we lay it all on the line for him if things don't turn on the line for him if things don't turn on the line for him if things don't turn out like we expect. out like we expect. out like we expect. See, if we're not careful when we try to See, if we're not careful when we try to See, if we're not careful when we try to accomplish God's will our own way, it accomplish God's will our own way, it accomplish God's will our own way, it can begin to affect our relationship can begin to affect our relationship can begin to affect our relationship with him. We see that happen in Elijah with him. We see that happen in Elijah with him. We see that happen in Elijah and his relationship with God. Look back and his relationship with God. Look back and his relationship with God. Look back at chapter 18 verse 22 with me. says, at chapter 18 verse 22 with me. says, at chapter 18 verse 22 with me. says, "Then Elijah said to the people, I even "Then Elijah said to the people, I even "Then Elijah said to the people, I even I only am left a prophet of the Lord." I only am left a prophet of the Lord." I only am left a prophet of the Lord." But Baal's prophets are 450 men. Elijah But Baal's prophets are 450 men. Elijah But Baal's prophets are 450 men. Elijah says, "I'm the only one that cares about says, "I'm the only one that cares about says, "I'm the only one that cares about the things of God like this. I'm the the things of God like this. I'm the the things of God like this. I'm the only one willing to stand up to evil." only one willing to stand up to evil." only one willing to stand up to evil." And Elijah assumes that God's show of And Elijah assumes that God's show of And Elijah assumes that God's show of God's power against the prophets of Baal God's power against the prophets of Baal God's power against the prophets of Baal is going to start this revolution among is going to start this revolution among is going to start this revolution among the people of Israel and turn their the people of Israel and turn their the people of Israel and turn their hearts back to him. And what's hearts back to him. And what's hearts back to him. And what's interesting is it does for a second, interesting is it does for a second, interesting is it does for a second, right? People love to be on the winning right? People love to be on the winning right? People love to be on the winning side of anything. side of anything. side of anything. So, it does change them for a second, So, it does change them for a second, So, it does change them for a second, but it doesn't change their hearts for but it doesn't change their hearts for but it doesn't change their hearts for the long hall. They go right back to the long hall. They go right back to the long hall. They go right back to cowering under whoever seems most cowering under whoever seems most cowering under whoever seems most powerful in the moment.

powerful in the moment. powerful in the moment. There's a huge difference between There's a huge difference between There's a huge difference between putting our confidence in God, no matter putting our confidence in God, no matter putting our confidence in God, no matter what's going on around us, and only what's going on around us, and only what's going on around us, and only doing it when he shows up in these doing it when he shows up in these doing it when he shows up in these miraculous, powerful ways. Now, the miraculous, powerful ways. Now, the miraculous, powerful ways. Now, the people do declare the Lord, he's God. people do declare the Lord, he's God. people do declare the Lord, he's God. But then as soon as Jezebel shows up and But then as soon as Jezebel shows up and But then as soon as Jezebel shows up and flexes her military might, they're flexes her military might, they're flexes her military might, they're nowhere to be found. But because Elijah nowhere to be found. But because Elijah nowhere to be found. But because Elijah was so convinced that he was on the was so convinced that he was on the was so convinced that he was on the right side of God's word and that God right side of God's word and that God right side of God's word and that God would do whatever Elijah wanted, no would do whatever Elijah wanted, no would do whatever Elijah wanted, no matter how he went about it, man, when matter how he went about it, man, when matter how he went about it, man, when Jezebel threatens him and the people Jezebel threatens him and the people Jezebel threatens him and the people scatter, he goes on the run. Look at how scatter, he goes on the run. Look at how scatter, he goes on the run. Look at how depressed he gets. Chapter 19:4, but he depressed he gets. Chapter 19:4, but he depressed he gets. Chapter 19:4, but he himself went a day's journey into the himself went a day's journey into the himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a wilderness and came and sat down under a wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree and he asked that he might broom tree and he asked that he might broom tree and he asked that he might die, saying, "Is it enough now, Lord? die, saying, "Is it enough now, Lord? die, saying, "Is it enough now, Lord? take away my life for I'm no better than take away my life for I'm no better than take away my life for I'm no better than my father's. And again in chapter 19:es my father's. And again in chapter 19:es my father's. And again in chapter 19:es 9 and 10. Then he came to a cave and 9 and 10. Then he came to a cave and 9 and 10. Then he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of lodged in it. And behold, the word of lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him. And God said, the Lord came to him. And God said, the Lord came to him. And God said, Elijah, why are you here? What are you Elijah, why are you here? What are you Elijah, why are you here? What are you doing here? And he said, I've been doing here? And he said, I've been doing here? And he said, I've been jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, for the people of Israel have forsaken for the people of Israel have forsaken for the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, your covenant, thrown down your altars, your covenant, thrown down your altars, killed your prophets with the sword, and killed your prophets with the sword, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I only I am left, and now they seek my I only I am left, and now they seek my I only I am left, and now they seek my life to take it away. He says, I'm doing life to take it away. He says, I'm doing life to take it away. He says, I'm doing the right thing, God. I'm standing for the right thing, God. I'm standing for the right thing, God. I'm standing for the right thing. I'm hating the right the right thing. I'm hating the right the right thing. I'm hating the right people. I'm taking bold steps to people. I'm taking bold steps to people. I'm taking bold steps to antagonize your enemies and even mock antagonize your enemies and even mock antagonize your enemies and even mock them and even destroy them if I have to them and even destroy them if I have to them and even destroy them if I have to to take them down in your name. And I'm to take them down in your name. And I'm to take them down in your name. And I'm the only one who has the faith to do it the only one who has the faith to do it the only one who has the faith to do it and the bravery to do it and the courage and the bravery to do it and the courage and the bravery to do it and the courage to do it. So why would you leave me out to do it. So why would you leave me out to do it. So why would you leave me out to dry like this?

to dry like this? to dry like this? Why wouldn't you do what I thought you Why wouldn't you do what I thought you Why wouldn't you do what I thought you were going to do? were going to do? were going to do? I love God's answer. I love God's answer. I love God's answer. Man, he brings this massive wind, tears Man, he brings this massive wind, tears Man, he brings this massive wind, tears the rocks from the mountain. I mean, the the rocks from the mountain. I mean, the the rocks from the mountain. I mean, the kind of the kind of wind that Elijah kind of the kind of wind that Elijah kind of the kind of wind that Elijah would be all about, the kind of wind would be all about, the kind of wind would be all about, the kind of wind that people would be awe in awe of, that people would be awe in awe of, that people would be awe in awe of, right? This is the kind of thing Elijah right? This is the kind of thing Elijah right? This is the kind of thing Elijah would love. would love. would love. And yet, it says God wasn't in the wind. And yet, it says God wasn't in the wind. And yet, it says God wasn't in the wind. The story specifically is making a point The story specifically is making a point The story specifically is making a point here. God's not in the wind. here. God's not in the wind. here. God's not in the wind. And then he brings an earthquake, the And then he brings an earthquake, the And then he brings an earthquake, the ground shaking beneath his feet, the ground shaking beneath his feet, the ground shaking beneath his feet, the entire foundations of the earth shaking. entire foundations of the earth shaking. entire foundations of the earth shaking. the kind of thing that would make the the kind of thing that would make the the kind of thing that would make the people fall on their face and say, people fall on their face and say, people fall on their face and say, "You're God and no one else is." And "You're God and no one else is." And "You're God and no one else is." And Elijah could stand up and say, "Behold, Elijah could stand up and say, "Behold, Elijah could stand up and say, "Behold, you're God." He would love this kind of you're God." He would love this kind of you're God." He would love this kind of thing. And yet it says, "God, what in thing. And yet it says, "God, what in thing. And yet it says, "God, what in the earthquake?" the earthquake?" the earthquake?" And then, I don't think this is And then, I don't think this is And then, I don't think this is coincidence at all. He brings fire. coincidence at all. He brings fire. coincidence at all. He brings fire. The very fire that God called down to The very fire that God called down to The very fire that God called down to consume his offering at the altar consume his offering at the altar consume his offering at the altar against the prophets of Baal. The very against the prophets of Baal. The very against the prophets of Baal. The very thing Elijah was trying to build this thing Elijah was trying to build this thing Elijah was trying to build this revolution, this spiritual revolution revolution, this spiritual revolution revolution, this spiritual revolution on. And yet it says, "But God wasn't in on. And yet it says, "But God wasn't in on. And yet it says, "But God wasn't in the fire."

the fire." the fire." Where was God in the story? Where was God in the story? Where was God in the story? He was in the still small voice, wasn't He was in the still small voice, wasn't He was in the still small voice, wasn't he? He was whispering to Elijah, saying, he? He was whispering to Elijah, saying, he? He was whispering to Elijah, saying, "Listen, it's not that I never do that "Listen, it's not that I never do that "Listen, it's not that I never do that kind of thing, Elijah, and it's not that kind of thing, Elijah, and it's not that kind of thing, Elijah, and it's not that I'm never going to use you to do that I'm never going to use you to do that I'm never going to use you to do that kind of thing." In fact, it's kind of thing." In fact, it's kind of thing." In fact, it's interesting what he tells Elijah he's interesting what he tells Elijah he's interesting what he tells Elijah he's going to do right after this little going to do right after this little going to do right after this little conversation he has with him. He's like, conversation he has with him. He's like, conversation he has with him. He's like, "Listen, you need to go and anoint this "Listen, you need to go and anoint this "Listen, you need to go and anoint this guy as king over Samaria. You need to go guy as king over Samaria. You need to go guy as king over Samaria. You need to go and anoint this guy as king over Israel. and anoint this guy as king over Israel. and anoint this guy as king over Israel. You need to go and find Elisha to You need to go and find Elisha to You need to go and find Elisha to replace you." And then what does God replace you." And then what does God replace you." And then what does God say? And he says, "And by the way, say? And he says, "And by the way, say? And he says, "And by the way, whatever the Samaran, whoever the whatever the Samaran, whoever the whatever the Samaran, whoever the Samaran king doesn't kill, Joo is going Samaran king doesn't kill, Joo is going Samaran king doesn't kill, Joo is going to kill. And whoever Joo doesn't kill, to kill. And whoever Joo doesn't kill, to kill. And whoever Joo doesn't kill, Elisha, God says, I don't mind bringing Elisha, God says, I don't mind bringing Elisha, God says, I don't mind bringing judgment on evil people. And I need to." judgment on evil people. And I need to." judgment on evil people. And I need to." That's not the point God's making to That's not the point God's making to That's not the point God's making to Elijah here. He's saying, "I need you to Elijah here. He's saying, "I need you to Elijah here. He's saying, "I need you to do things my way and my timing the way do things my way and my timing the way do things my way and my timing the way I'm asking you to, just like Moses. I'm asking you to, just like Moses. I'm asking you to, just like Moses. I got to have you in that way, Elijah, I got to have you in that way, Elijah, I got to have you in that way, Elijah, if you're going to deliver my message to if you're going to deliver my message to if you're going to deliver my message to my people and to the world around me in my people and to the world around me in my people and to the world around me in the way that I'm asking you to." Because the way that I'm asking you to." Because the way that I'm asking you to." Because in this story, God says, where I've in this story, God says, where I've in this story, God says, where I've been, where have I been in this story, been, where have I been in this story, been, where have I been in this story, man, I've been taking care of widows and man, I've been taking care of widows and man, I've been taking care of widows and their children that you would have their children that you would have their children that you would have wanted me to. I've been sending rain on wanted me to. I've been sending rain on wanted me to. I've been sending rain on people after you called for a drought people after you called for a drought people after you called for a drought for three and a half years to bless for three and a half years to bless for three and a half years to bless them, to sustain their life, to keep them, to sustain their life, to keep them, to sustain their life, to keep them alive. I've been sending angels to them alive. I've been sending angels to them alive. I've been sending angels to you, Elijah, to make cake for you so you you, Elijah, to make cake for you so you you, Elijah, to make cake for you so you can eat and sustain your life. That's can eat and sustain your life. That's can eat and sustain your life. That's that's what I've been doing. I've been that's what I've been doing. I've been that's what I've been doing. I've been protecting you from Ahab finding you for protecting you from Ahab finding you for protecting you from Ahab finding you for three and a half years during the three and a half years during the three and a half years during the drought. And I've been protecting drought. And I've been protecting drought. And I've been protecting Jezebel from finding you and killing Jezebel from finding you and killing Jezebel from finding you and killing you. Even in this conversation,

you. Even in this conversation, you. Even in this conversation, God's begging Elijah to listen for his God's begging Elijah to listen for his God's begging Elijah to listen for his voice and tell him when to do what God's voice and tell him when to do what God's voice and tell him when to do what God's asking him to do. And as for Elijah asking him to do. And as for Elijah asking him to do. And as for Elijah being the only one that cares, right? being the only one that cares, right? being the only one that cares, right? Because that's kind of how he's getting. Because that's kind of how he's getting. Because that's kind of how he's getting. That's how we can get when we feel like That's how we can get when we feel like That's how we can get when we feel like we're standing up for God, no one else we're standing up for God, no one else we're standing up for God, no one else is, and we get real kind of prideful in is, and we get real kind of prideful in is, and we get real kind of prideful in that, a little like I'm the only one. that, a little like I'm the only one. that, a little like I'm the only one. What does God say to him? He says, What does God say to him? He says, What does God say to him? He says, "Elijah, "Elijah, "Elijah, I'm going to leave 7,000 in Israel. I'm going to leave 7,000 in Israel. I'm going to leave 7,000 in Israel. All the knees that have not bowed to All the knees that have not bowed to All the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that's not kissed Baal, and every mouth that's not kissed Baal, and every mouth that's not kissed him, God says, "I love you. I love you. him, God says, "I love you. I love you. him, God says, "I love you. I love you. I love you. You're not the only one that I love you. You're not the only one that I love you. You're not the only one that cares. You're one of 7,000. cares. You're one of 7,000. cares. You're one of 7,000. But I do love you. But I do love you. But I do love you. I love your faithfulness. I love your I love your faithfulness. I love your I love your faithfulness. I love your passion. I love your zeal. I love your passion. I love your zeal. I love your passion. I love your zeal. I love your incredible faith in me as the one true incredible faith in me as the one true incredible faith in me as the one true God. I love that when I say something, God. I love that when I say something, God. I love that when I say something, you know that is absolutely true. It's you know that is absolutely true. It's you know that is absolutely true. It's going to happen and I can bank on it. I going to happen and I can bank on it. I going to happen and I can bank on it. I love that about you, Elijah. You're love that about you, Elijah. You're love that about you, Elijah. You're going to be one of the greatest prophets going to be one of the greatest prophets going to be one of the greatest prophets in the entire scripture in the entire in the entire scripture in the entire in the entire scripture in the entire history of the world. history of the world. history of the world. But if you want to change the world and But if you want to change the world and But if you want to change the world and rally the people to me and bring about rally the people to me and bring about rally the people to me and bring about spiritual revolution, you're going to spiritual revolution, you're going to spiritual revolution, you're going to have to show me when to tell you that I have to show me when to tell you that I have to show me when to tell you that I want to bring a drought. You're going to want to bring a drought. You're going to want to bring a drought. You're going to have to let me tell you when I'm trying have to let me tell you when I'm trying have to let me tell you when I'm trying to help a widow instead. You're going to to help a widow instead. You're going to to help a widow instead. You're going to have to let me show you what I'm asking have to let me show you what I'm asking have to let me show you what I'm asking you to do in each and every situation.

you to do in each and every situation. you to do in each and every situation. When I'm asking you to bring fire from When I'm asking you to bring fire from When I'm asking you to bring fire from heaven and when I'm asking you just to heaven and when I'm asking you just to heaven and when I'm asking you just to show yourself to someone like Ahab. show yourself to someone like Ahab. show yourself to someone like Ahab. I'm glorying myself glorifying myself I'm glorying myself glorifying myself I'm glorying myself glorifying myself both through my judgment of sin and both through my judgment of sin and both through my judgment of sin and sinners and I am and my patience with sinners and I am and my patience with sinners and I am and my patience with sin and sinners all the time. And I sin and sinners all the time. And I sin and sinners all the time. And I think this is part of what God's trying think this is part of what God's trying think this is part of what God's trying to show all of us in this story and to show all of us in this story and to show all of us in this story and Elijah. It's not our job to tell him Elijah. It's not our job to tell him Elijah. It's not our job to tell him when to act. It's his job to tell us how when to act. It's his job to tell us how when to act. It's his job to tell us how to act on those things. to act on those things. to act on those things. See, we're passionate about God's See, we're passionate about God's See, we're passionate about God's message. We can see God do amazing message. We can see God do amazing message. We can see God do amazing things because he is faithful to his things because he is faithful to his things because he is faithful to his word. He is faithful to his promises. word. He is faithful to his promises. word. He is faithful to his promises. But when we're also just as passionate But when we're also just as passionate But when we're also just as passionate about delivering God's message, using about delivering God's message, using about delivering God's message, using God's methods with his heart and his God's methods with his heart and his God's methods with his heart and his timing, here's the beauty of that. Then timing, here's the beauty of that. Then timing, here's the beauty of that. Then we don't miss the glory of all God can we don't miss the glory of all God can we don't miss the glory of all God can do when we let him do things his way do when we let him do things his way do when we let him do things his way through us instead of trying to force through us instead of trying to force through us instead of trying to force him to do things our way in his name. him to do things our way in his name. him to do things our way in his name. And when we follow his voice, we don't And when we follow his voice, we don't And when we follow his voice, we don't hurt people that God loves just because hurt people that God loves just because hurt people that God loves just because we want to do what we want to do our we want to do what we want to do our we want to do what we want to do our way. We have more of a chance to reach way. We have more of a chance to reach way. We have more of a chance to reach people and save people God wants to save people and save people God wants to save people and save people God wants to save because we're not necessarily provoking because we're not necessarily provoking because we're not necessarily provoking them to anger on our own with our own them to anger on our own with our own them to anger on our own with our own flesh and how we're trying to tell them flesh and how we're trying to tell them flesh and how we're trying to tell them Jesus loves them. We don't make Jesus loves them. We don't make Jesus loves them. We don't make ourselves more important than we are in ourselves more important than we are in ourselves more important than we are in a prideful way that frustrates us and a prideful way that frustrates us and a prideful way that frustrates us and our relationship with God. I love this our relationship with God. I love this our relationship with God. I love this story. I used to love it because of how story. I used to love it because of how story. I used to love it because of how great it showed me Elijah is and he is.

great it showed me Elijah is and he is. great it showed me Elijah is and he is. But I love it now, I think, because of But I love it now, I think, because of But I love it now, I think, because of what it's shown me about God's character what it's shown me about God's character what it's shown me about God's character in the midst of it. Would you pray with in the midst of it. Would you pray with in the midst of it. Would you pray with me? Heavenly Father, we come before you. me? Heavenly Father, we come before you. me? Heavenly Father, we come before you. We thank you for your word. We thank you We thank you for your word. We thank you We thank you for your word. We thank you for the story of Elijah and all that it for the story of Elijah and all that it for the story of Elijah and all that it has to teach us about our relationship has to teach us about our relationship has to teach us about our relationship with you, God. May we be courageous and with you, God. May we be courageous and with you, God. May we be courageous and zealous and passionate for your word and zealous and passionate for your word and zealous and passionate for your word and for your truth. And may we stand for the for your truth. And may we stand for the for your truth. And may we stand for the right things on the earth because you right things on the earth because you right things on the earth because you love the people you've made in your love the people you've made in your love the people you've made in your image. And your word is there because image. And your word is there because image. And your word is there because you love us. May we believe that, be you love us. May we believe that, be you love us. May we believe that, be convicted about that, and stand on it in convicted about that, and stand on it in convicted about that, and stand on it in the face of all opposition. the face of all opposition. the face of all opposition. Yet, Lord, at the same time, I beg you Yet, Lord, at the same time, I beg you Yet, Lord, at the same time, I beg you that we would be a church, and we would that we would be a church, and we would that we would be a church, and we would be a people that would so be attuned to be a people that would so be attuned to be a people that would so be attuned to your still small voice that we would your still small voice that we would your still small voice that we would know when to call about something in a know when to call about something in a know when to call about something in a harder way and when to call about harder way and when to call about harder way and when to call about something in a gentle way. When to reach something in a gentle way. When to reach something in a gentle way. When to reach out in love to someone. out in love to someone. out in love to someone. when to show them why what they're doing when to show them why what they're doing when to show them why what they're doing is hurting others around them and God's is hurting others around them and God's is hurting others around them and God's going to stop it. God, help us to be going to stop it. God, help us to be going to stop it. God, help us to be your vessels for truth the way that you your vessels for truth the way that you your vessels for truth the way that you want to share it around us. We [music] want to share it around us. We [music] want to share it around us. We [music] ask it in your name and amen.

ask it in your name and amen. ask it in your name and amen. >> Thanks again for listening to the word >> Thanks again for listening to the word >> Thanks again for listening to the word of God. [music] We are blessed to reach of God. [music] We are blessed to reach of God. [music] We are blessed to reach you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever you throughout the week through whatever platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're [music] needing prayer or you want to [music] needing prayer or you want to [music] needing prayer or you want to talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at Jesus, reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/cont. [music]