January 14 – Where Are You?

1 Kings 19:1-3, 9-18

Introduction/Context:

• 1 Kings 16 tells us that a new king has come into power in Israel.

• He is married to a woman named Jezebel.

• 16:33 “Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him.” (NKJ)

• Elijah who is the prominent prophet at the time is instructed by the Lord to pronounce a drought.

• Because of God’s action, Ahab and Jezebel launch a tremendous persecution on God’s other prophets trying to kill them all.

• Elijah is then directed to return after 3 years and to tell Ahab that it’s time to finally determine who really is in control.

1 Kings 18:21, “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.” (NKJ)

• The great “showdown”

o Two altars

o Two bulls

o No fire

• The great “victory”

o 18:40, “Then Elijah commanded, “Seize all the prophets of Baal. Don’t let a single one escape!” So the people seized them all, and Elijah took them down to the Kishon Valley and killed them there.” (NLT)

Transition: Back to our main text.

1 Kings 19:1-2, “And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” (NKJ)

4 things I want you to see about what is in chapter 19. The pressure, the predicament, the provision, the problem, and then the provision.

Of course, I start with the pressure.

I. The Pressure – 19:1-2

• Jezebel’s threats

Question: The reality of serving, believing, trusting and following God, and as Elijah, speaking God’s truth is that it will usually be accompanied by pressure and problems. Well at least it did for Elijah

I. The Predicament

a. Elijah was afraid – 19:3

b. He says, “I’ve had enough” 19:4

i. I’m done!

ii. I’m tired!

iii. I’ve done enough haven’t I?

c. Take my life

i. God use someone else!

ii. It’s someone else’s turn!

d. I’m no better than my ancestors

i. I am a mere weak man, no better nor stronger than they who have gone before me, no more able to revolutionize the world than them.

Application: All of that may seem to be the truth but God…!

III. The Provision -19:5-8a

• Angel touches him

• Encourages / Gives instructions – “get up and eat” “some more”

• “Or the journey ahead will be too much!”

Application: God will not gift us and give us a mission without providing everything we need to succeed!

IV. The Problem – 19:9b-11a

1. Deciding to remain stuck. “What are you doing here?

2. Counting on past victories as defense for inactivity. I have served faithfully, but the people (others)

3. Sensing being alone in the battle. “I am the only one left.”

Transition: Again, God reassures Elijah that there is no pressure, no predicament, no problem that cannot be resolved and provided for.

Question: The answer? His Presence! His Power

V. The Power – 19:11

1. The command/encouragement – “Go out”

2. The prerequisite – “Stand before me!”

3. The persistence – “As he stood”

4. The potential – The Lord passed (mightily)

Conclusion: Sometimes we get tired and even wonder if God is still intimately concerned with us and with the call and gifting we believe he’s asked us to be faithful to.

Solution to the dilemma and problem?

1. Get up.

2. Stand before.

3. Remain.