Saturday, July 10, 2004

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
(Psalm 138.8 NRSV)
Elijah's crisis of confidence came immediately after God had given him a great victory. You remember the story. Elijah challenged the priests of Baal to a contest. The test would be who could call down fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice placed upon the altar. The priests of Baal danced and prayed all day, but nothing happened. They became so frustrated and enraged that they cut themselves with swords and lances. Blood gushed forth from their bodies, and still Baal did not respond to their plea.

Elijah then took his turn. To prove the superiority of Yahweh he drenched the altar with twelve jars of water. He called unto the Lord. God heard his prayer and fire fell from heaven and consumed the offering. The people were convinced. They rose up and killed the prophets of Baal.

Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab and a worshiper of Baal, was angered by Elijah's action. She ordered that he be captured and put to death. Afraid of his impending execution, Elijah fled. He went a day's journey beyond Judah to hide in the desert. There he sat under a broom tree, begging God to take his life, believing he was a failure. Elijah had already forgotten the miracle of fire from heaven and now only thought of the vindictiveness of Jezebel.

It is not easy to be a follower of God, but God will always give us purpose and meaning to our lives.

Dear God, thank you for always being with me through the challenges of life and for giving meaning to my life. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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