I have to say that no matter how long I've been a Christian, I find myself constantly amazed at the humanity of the Bible characters. Of course, I know they're human, but they somehow always seem holier than us.
I was reading 1 Kings 18:20-19:7 today, and have to say I was fascinated when it dawned on me that Elijah, in spite of having just witnessed two great miracles in the same day--fire for the sacrifice and a huge rainstorm after 3 years of drought, practically curled up in the fetal position with fear when Jezebel threatened to take his life.
He's just like us. How many times has God performed amazing miracles for me, and yet I continue to doubt and live in fear instead of just trusting Him and His Word? I mean, God had just allowed him to perform a great miracle in front of the entire Israelite population, kill ALL of the prophets of idols, sent a huge rainstorm (and told him before the rain came so he and King Ahab would be prepared and take shelter).
Then this measley human being (Jezebel) threatens his life and he cowers in fear. Really, one would expect that a human being who had just witnessed those amazing miracles one day prior would rise up and boldly tell Jezebel that God, and God alone, would decide when his life was going to end. Queen or no queen, he knew (inherently) that God was infinitely more powerful than Jezebel any day. Yet, his humanity got the best of him and he fled in fear at the first sign of trouble.
So easy to read this and think, "Duh, helLLO Elijah!" So easy to criticize him ... until I find myself in exactly the same situation; only I'm a master at coming up with excuses that explain why my situation is "different." God doesn't create those "amazing signs and wonders" of the Bible days, but He has performed (and continues to perform) amazing miracles in my life, and I find myself in doubt and fear.
... and then, final thought: after his "fleeing in fear" episode, one would expect God to point His finger in Elijah's face and rebuke him for focusing on the situation instead of God. But instead, our gracious and merciful God, "full of unfailing love," sends an angel to encourage him and feed him so he can gather strength for the journey which lay ahead.
Just my thoughts during my quiet time today :)
I was reading 1 Kings 18:20-19:7 today, and have to say I was fascinated when it dawned on me that Elijah, in spite of having just witnessed two great miracles in the same day--fire for the sacrifice and a huge rainstorm after 3 years of drought, practically curled up in the fetal position with fear when Jezebel threatened to take his life.
He's just like us. How many times has God performed amazing miracles for me, and yet I continue to doubt and live in fear instead of just trusting Him and His Word? I mean, God had just allowed him to perform a great miracle in front of the entire Israelite population, kill ALL of the prophets of idols, sent a huge rainstorm (and told him before the rain came so he and King Ahab would be prepared and take shelter).
Then this measley human being (Jezebel) threatens his life and he cowers in fear. Really, one would expect that a human being who had just witnessed those amazing miracles one day prior would rise up and boldly tell Jezebel that God, and God alone, would decide when his life was going to end. Queen or no queen, he knew (inherently) that God was infinitely more powerful than Jezebel any day. Yet, his humanity got the best of him and he fled in fear at the first sign of trouble.
So easy to read this and think, "Duh, helLLO Elijah!" So easy to criticize him ... until I find myself in exactly the same situation; only I'm a master at coming up with excuses that explain why my situation is "different." God doesn't create those "amazing signs and wonders" of the Bible days, but He has performed (and continues to perform) amazing miracles in my life, and I find myself in doubt and fear.
... and then, final thought: after his "fleeing in fear" episode, one would expect God to point His finger in Elijah's face and rebuke him for focusing on the situation instead of God. But instead, our gracious and merciful God, "full of unfailing love," sends an angel to encourage him and feed him so he can gather strength for the journey which lay ahead.
Just my thoughts during my quiet time today :)
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