Lesson 298 - Senior

Memory Verse

"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished" (II Peter 2:9).

Cross References

I Jezebel's Attitude Toward God

1. The miracles of the past made no improvement in Jezebel, proving that miracles alone will not turn the ungodly to God, [1KG:19:1-3]; [1KG:18:21-46]; [PS:78:12-61]; [MAT:14:3-11] cf. [MAT:3:1-17] and [MAT:11:7-14]; [1SM:24:1-22]; [1SM:26:1-25]; [1SM:27:1].

2. An enemy of God and godliness, Jezebel used every available means to accomplish her purpose, [1KG:19:1-2]; [1KG:18:13]; [1KG:21:7-16], [1KG:21:25].

3. Jezebel's death was untimely because of her sins, [2KG:9:30-37].

II Elijah and His Attitude Toward God

1. Great trials and mental or physical depression will come, at times, to godly men, often following great spiritual victories, [1KG:18:1], [1KG:18:17-46]; [NUM:11:1-15]; [JOS:7:6-9]; [JOB:3:1-26]; [JOB:10:1]; [PS:31:1-24]; [MIC:7:1-7].

2. God commanded Elijah to hide during an earlier persecution, [1KG:17:1-16].

3. Elijah's flight at this time could have been his impression of God's will because of the previous incident, [1KG:19:4].

III God's Consideration for His Prophet

1. God was not angry or impatient with Elijah but sent encouragement and food to him, [1KG:19:5-8]; [PS:103:13-14], [PS:103:17-18]; [MAT:4:11]; [LUK:22:43]; [HEB:4:14-16]; [ISA:40:31]; [ISA:41:10].

2. Elijah continued his journey to Mount Sinai, [1KG:19:8].

3. At Sinai, God proved His existence as a Divine Person and not merely as a force of nature, [1KG:19:9-14]; [EXO:20:1]; [EXO:33:11], [EXO:33:18-23]; [EXO:34:1-8].

4. Elijah was given a commission, which proves that he was still God's Prophet, [1KG:19:15-17].

5. God has had, at all times, a faithful remnant, [1KG:19:18]; [ROM:11:2-5]; [LUK:12:32]; [ISA:1:9]; [ISA:40:11]; [REV:3:4-12].

Notes

A great spiritual victory had been won. The prophets of Baal had been destroyed and the nation of Israel shown that the God of their father Abraham was the true God and the only God. This had been brought about by Elijah's meeting with Obadiah, and the subsequent meeting with Ahab, who accused Elijah of bringing the years of famine, drought, and trouble upon Israel. Elijah withstood the king, however, and pointed to him as the real cause of the trouble, in that he had turned from the worship of God to that of Baal.

A test was arranged in which it would be known who was the true God. The prophets of Baal were given their opportunity, on their own ground and in the one thing that Baal, the sun-god, would be able to do the best – if he were an actual god with life and power. But the worship of Baal failed to produce the required results, and the nation's attention was turned to Elijah, who prayed to the God of Israel and saw an immediate answer to his prayer. Following Israel's apparent repentance and acknowledgement of the true God, Elijah prayed that God would send rain, and this prayer also was fully answered, after which Elijah ran down the mountain to Jezreel, a distance, we are told, of about 15 miles.

Miracles and Their Uses

During Jesus' ministry on earth He was asked, on different occasions, for signs to prove His Deity and His authority. When He saw that a sign or miracle would be of value in convincing men of righteousness or of the authority that was His, He never hesitated to perform that miracle or give that sign. But, as has been written many times previously in this course, God does not perform miracles or give signs to satisfy the idle curiosity of men, or to amuse them, or intrigue them with a demonstration of that which is beyond their power or understanding. Whenever a sign is given, or a miracle performed, it is done that God might be glorified, that the name of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ, might be honoured, that men might be brought to repentance, and that comfort or encouragement might be given. As we study the life and ministry of Jesus we see that He performed miracles for these reasons.

But in the case of Jezebel and many others in the Bible, we can see that miracles alone will not lead men to God and godliness. Unless there is in the heart of the ungodly a desire for righteousness, no number of miracles or signs will turn them to the true God. One of the first requirements in seeking a blessing from God is a belief that there is a God, that He is the true God, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him. A miracle could be used by God to convince an honest doubter, or one who is not willingly ignorant of the power or existence of God.

Jesus referred those who asked Him for a sign to the signs that were already given in the Word of God. He said that if they did not receive those signs they would not receive a sign He could give them. They were willingly given over to evil. He added that they would be judged and condemned by the signs that had been given them.

Jezebel had seen God work miraculously, in response to the prayers of His servant. Rain had been withheld, and then given. The fire had fallen on the altar of God in spite of all the obstacles against it, while all the combined priests of Baal, in fanatical zeal, had failed to secure even the smallest suggestion that Baal was a god who heard, let alone one who answered their prayers. The 15-mile run of the prophet was a miracle in itself that could have convinced Jezebel that God was with His prophet, if she had wanted to be convinced. But she wanted her sin and ignored every proof of the folly of her doings. Because she continuously rebelled against the mercy of God and chose her own sinful ways, her doom was sealed.

Men of today also refuse to profit by the demonstrations of God's power, love, and mercy that are manifest all around them, because they prefer sin instead of sinlessness, degeneracy rather than righteousness, the servitude of Satan rather than the sonship of God, and the blackness of despair instead of the hope that is "incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” [1PE:1:3-4]). A multitude of signs is given for the benefit of all, but only a few people are convinced by them of the goodness of Almighty God.

Each new-born child of God is a miracle. Yes, every day of his life as a Christian is a miracle. The fact of deliverance from sin in the life of one person is a sign that is sufficient to condemn every one who witnesses that godly life and who rejects the Gospel call sent through it. One restoration to health, by the power of God, is sufficient to prove that there is a God and that Christ's Atonement is operative for the needs of mankind. God has given ample signs and miracles to convince every person of His mercy, His power, and His existence.

Spiritual and Physical Depressions of the Godly

There are no "blue Mondays,” in the popular sense, for the Christian. He has no more days of remorse and regret because of past sins and wantonness. A Christian lives for God's glory and strives to please God in all that he does. His energy is expended for those righteous purposes. But there is no denying the fact that both spiritual and physical energy are exacted for the work and service of God and that when these resources are expended the servant of God is sometimes depressed and exhausted.

One cannot help noticing the tenderness with which God dealt with Elijah. The tremendous events of the past hours, followed by Jezebel's open rebellion against God, naturally would bring a certain depression to Elijah or any other man of God. From all appearances, at that time, the revival in Israel was only nominal. Elijah knew that unless the rulers of Israel turned to God, the nation as a whole would not do so. The Temple worship would not be carried on unless the king allowed it to be resumed. Elijah knew Israel would lapse into idolatry again if the worship of the true God was not earnestly and spiritually carried out. It looked as if all his efforts had ended in failure, from his human and natural viewpoint.

However, we can see that, even though the waves of trial roll high around us and there is little apparent good accomplished by us, and we know we are obeying God, we must not despair of life or draw back from the commission God has given us. God will carry us through to the end if we but keep our trust in Him. He is not through with us on earth until He calls us home to Heaven. We have a work to do for Him as long as life is given us. That work may change in character through the years, with our changing abilities and strength, but it will always be the work of God, and it is our privilege to carry on until He takes us to our eternal reward.

Elijah may have thought that his actions in fleeing from Jezebel at this time were according to the will of God, since on a previous occasion he had been told to hide from the persecutor's wrath. But God does not always work by precedent. Because He has commanded us to do one thing at one time does not mean that He always will want us to do the same thing at subsequent times. His will is sure to be made known to us, but we may not know today what that will is going to be for tomorrow.

An angel from the Lord fed Elijah and he fled to Mount Sinai, and there the Lord was revealed to him. When we are depressed, or exhausted, it is best to go to the presence of God, for there we can be filled and strengthened for the battles and problems that are confronting us. There is no strength to be gained from worldly sources. The Divine Fount is the only place where our thirsty souls can be satisfied. At Mount Sinai, or Mount Horeb, God revealed some sublime truths to Elijah and at the same time gave him a commission to carry out for the future welfare of the Old Testament Church.

The parallels between this account and that of Moses on the same mountain are truly remarkable. Both these men of God saw the forces of nature manifest in their fury and power, but both looked beyond these natural forces to the God of Heaven who is more than a force, an influence, an intangible spirit, or a mere idea. They saw God as more than thunder, more than lightning, more than wind, more than earthquakes, and more than supernatural fire. These men of God all men of God, see God as He is – a Divine Person, a member of the infinite and eternal Godhead.

Both Elijah and Moses met with God on Mount Sinai. Both were there, in that vicinity, because they were fugitives from the persecutors who had determined to destroy them. Moses represented the Law; and Elijah, the prophets; and both were revealed in the Transfiguration of Christ. Both men heard the voice of God. Both were Prophets. Both were defenders of God's name and cause in the midst of idolaters.

The Faithful Remnant

Further proof that even though God reproved Elijah but was not angry with him is given in the fact that a further commission was given at this time. Hazael was to be anointed king over Syria. Hazael was not an Israelite and the kingdom over which he was to rule was not that of Israel. We see by this that "the powers that be are ordained of God” [ROM:13:1]) and that God is interested in the affairs of this world. Nevertheless, under our present form of government in these United States of America (Africa), the people are responsible for the elected officers, and the child of God should exercise his civil rights and responsibilities in voting for the best possible candidates and measures, regardless of political party affiliations.

In Scripture, a ruler is considered a servant of God, be he pagan or godly. Cyrus was mentioned by Isaiah about 150 years prior to that king's birth, as being a servant of God. Nebuchadnezzar, also, was considered a servant of God. These men were servants in that they were used by God to fulfil His purposes, often to discipline His chosen nation. A study of the life of Hazael shows that he was used by God for this very purpose.

Jehu was to be anointed king over Israel to follow one of the successors of Ahab. He, too, was to be used by God to bring about God's will concerning Israel. But greater than the anointing of these was the anointing of Elisha as a successor to Elijah. Elisha was to be the spiritual leader of Israel, and as such he served faithfully for many years.

Elijah's recorded ministry up to this time was about three and a half years, approximately the same time as our Lord's. But in that time he was able to do many wonderful things through God that have remained as examples to the godly of all ages. Elijah felt that he was very much alone at this time and that his work for God has not been very effective in producing results for the Kingdom, but God assured him that there was still a faithful remnant that had not bowed to the worship of Baal.

Seven thousand may seem like a great number, but when compared with the whole of Israel -– the nation that had covenanted with God to be His own peculiar people – we see that less than one percent of the entire people of Israel was represented in that group. Jesus said that those who followed Him would be but a "little flock.” He gave us no assurance of world-wide revivals that would take place in the end of time in which a great percentage of the world's peoples would be saved. On the contrary, He has told us that there would be only a few who would be ready to meet Him.

"When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” [LUK:18:8]). This question should be asked by each of us as we look out over the world of unbelievers. It should cause us to double and redouble our efforts to see that spread over as much of the world as possible. But the question must be asked in a more personal manner than this, too. We must ask it concerning ourselves.

It was to His disciples that Jesus spoke when He told of the suddenness of His coming and the separations that would occur at that time. It was to those who had taken His Name and His reproach, and who had given up all for Him, that Peter spoke the words of warning: "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” [1PE:4:18]). If it is to those who have left all, who have dared to stand for the precious Name above every name who have been willing to defend His teachings with their very blood, if need be, who have willingly taken up His cross to follow Him, bearing His reproach –if it is to these that this question regarding the existence of faith was given, what about those who have done less than they?

There will be a faithful remnant, but it will be only a remnant. A remnant is something that is left from the whole. A remnant is a very small part of the whole. Remnants are considered of little value in the world markets. They are sold for a fraction of their actual worth. How true a picture the Holy Spirit has chosen to portray the Church who will be raptured as the Bride of Christ. They are a faithful remnant thought little of by the world but beloved of God!

But what of the whole? If in order to be a member of the whole it is necessary that we do all the things that are called sacrifices by worldly men, what is necessary to make us one of the remnant? The answer to these questions can be found in the Word of God. The faith that Christ said would be lacking in so many at the end of the age is one of the indispensable things. God grant that all who read these lines will "contend for the faith” and be one of the faithful remnant!

Questions

1. Enumerate some of the miracles, which should have convinced Jezebel of her sin and folly.

2. Did Jezebel profit from the miracles? State the reasons for your answer.

3. What besides miracles is necessary to save people from their sins?

4. Compare the incidents in Elijah's life that have parallels in the life of Moses.

5. How long was Elijah's recorded ministry?

6. Who was to be the successor to Elijah?

7. Was God displeased or angry with Elijah because he fled from Jezebel?

8. Why didn't Elijah show the same reverence after seeing the manifestations of nature that he showed after hearing the still small Voice?

9. What does the still small Voice prove to us about God?

10. How can an ungodly ruler of a nation be considered the servant of God?