Daily Dose of the Word of God - 1 Kings 19: 13-18

Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor

Transcript

Gregg DeMey 0:06  

Good Morning and welcome to Elmhurst CRC's Daily Dose of the Word of God. It's Thursday, October 30th and this is Greg DeMay. We are walking through the Bible, reading today from 1 Kings 19, verses 13 through 18.

Gregg DeMey  0:20  

When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”

Gregg DeMey  1:18  

This is the second time in 1 Kings 19 that Elijah has been asked the question, "what are you doing here?" And Elijah gives an identical reply to the question the second time around. Basically..."I've been a good guy, God. I've been zealous and everybody else stinks. I'm the only one left, scared to death." It's quite a pity party for the prophet of God. He is feeling understandably and epically sorry for himself. God does not chide, rebuke or correct his prophet here, but he does let him know that he's not alone and that his work isn't meaningless. God sends him from that place to anoint some new kings (Important prophetic work), and God tells him that his prophetic mantle will be passed to Elisha. God's work will continue in Israel - Elijah's life has not been wasted - It will continue through Elisha and and there are 7000 others who have never turned away from Yahweh. What a great message: you still have work today in my name. It's time to mentor your successor, and you're not alone.

Gregg DeMey  2:28  

Let's pray, Oh God, some of us might be down or in a darkened way or mood today, but by your Spirit, help us to hear your voice, affirming the work you've given us to do. That we can find meaning in mentoring those who come after us and that in our walk with You, Jesus, we are truly never alone. Thank you for your church, body and community. In your name we pray, amen.