Topic: Who was Elijah?

No individual in the Old Testament is more vividly portrayed than Elijah. The New Testament attests to his greatness and reveals what an impression he made upon the nation of Israel. All we know of him before his dramatic appearance is summed up with these words: “Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead” (1King 17:1). Scripture is silent about his past history.

God used Elijah during an important time in Israel’s history to oppose a wicked king and bring revival to the and. Elijah’s life was filled with turmoil. Sometimes he was bold and decisive, and other times he was fearful and tentative. He demonstrated victory and defeat, followed by recovery. Elijah knew both the power of God and the depths of depression.

Today and next week the focus will be on how do we depend on God?

1 Kings 17:2-16

The Lord sent Elijah into hiding at the brook of Cherith, east of the Jordan river, and there He supernaturally provided for the prophet. Elijah drank water from the brook and ravens brought him meat both morning and evening. The prophetic word that he brought to the nation was indeed one of judgment and his presence was unwelcome in the land. He had no friends, no family and no community, only God. He was in a wilderness experience where he was forced to depend on the Lord for everything.

Finally, the drought dried up the brook and the Spirit of the Lord led him to the house of a Gentile widow for his daily support. What was God doing? God was teaching Elijah to unconditionally trust Him. Elijah was exactly where God wanted him, in a place of total dependence. The brook and the ravens were all provisions of the Almighty (El-Shaddai) and the prophet trusted the Lord, in everything, and for everything.

Every Christian must come to the “brook of Cherith” in their walk with God. A place where they realize that dependence on God is a path for growth and maturity.

Self-reliance is a false safety net of worldly thinking and leads to a lack of faith.

- Elijah teaches us to trust God for daily bread.

- Elijah teaches us to believe in the Lord for your promotion.

- Elijah teaches us to surrender all your tomorrows.

Further insight on dependence on God is reflected in Psalm 33:13-22.

See you Sunday,

Dr. Scott Kallem