Laodicean Church
263
should learn from the example of Elijah. His word locked the treasures
of heaven, the dew and rain, from the earth three years. His word
alone was the key to unlock heaven and bring showers of rain. He
[288]
was honored of God as he offered his simple prayer in the presence of
the king and the thousands of Israel, in answer to which fire flashed
from heaven and kindled the fire upon the altar of sacrifice. His hand
executed the judgment of God in slaying eight hundred and fifty priests
of Baal; and yet, after the exhausting toil and most signal triumph of
the day, he who could bring clouds and rain and fire from heaven was
willing to perform the service of a menial and run before the chariot of
Ahab in the darkness and in the wind and rain to serve the sovereign
whom he had not feared to rebuke to his face because of his sins and
crimes. The king passed within the gates. Elijah wrapped himself in
his mantle and lay upon the bare earth.
Elijah in Despondency
After Elijah had shown such undaunted courage in a contest be-
tween life and death, after he had triumphed over the king, the priests,
and the people, we would naturally suppose that he would never give
way to despondency or be awed into timidity.
After his first appearance to Ahab, denouncing upon him the judg-
ments of God because of his and Israel’s apostasy, God directed his
course from Jezebel’s power to a place of safety in the mountains,
by the brook Cherith. There He honored Elijah by sending food to
him morning and evening by an angel of heaven. Then, as the brook
became dry, He sent him to the widow of Sarepta, and wrought a
miracle daily to keep the widow’s family and Elijah in food. After he
had been blessed with evidences of such love and care from God, we
would suppose that Elijah would never distrust Him. But the apostle
tells us that he was a man of like passions as we, and subject, as we
are, to temptations.
Ahab related to his wife the wonderful events of the day and the
marvelous exhibitions of the power of God showing that Jehovah, the
Creator of the heavens and the earth, was God; also that Elijah had
slain the prophets of Baal. At this, Jezebel, who was hardened in sin,
[289]
became infuriated. Bold, defiant, and determined in her idolatry, she
declared to Ahab that Elijah should not live.