Elijah appeared lonely when he could not find his fellow prophets during threats from the worshippers Baal. It is written in 1 Kings 18: 22, I even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets number four hundred fifty. However, Elijah remained steadfast for the Lord. We continue with his reasons for his motivation to stand for the Lord.
God intervenes in his affairs
Among the countless biblical instances is God’s word in Isaiah 41: 10, do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God. He continued in Isaiah 43: 2 when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Elijah knew this fact.
Jesus also said in John 14: 16, I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. The Holy Spirit intervenes as our advocate in all circumstances. Jesus also intervenes himself because he is always present with us. He said in Matthew 28: 20, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Elijah was certain of God’s unfailing intervention.
In every battle, God is with us. In Kings 6: 17 the LORD opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Though our physical sight may be in denial of God’s battle readiness for us, God remains ever steadfast for us. Elijah did not rely on his sight against the Baal worshippers but God’s readiness in battle.
God hides us in his care
Although Elijah appeared to be alone, spiritually his life was in God’s care. Paul wrote in Colossians 3: 3 your life is hidden with Christ in God. God cares for us through Christ Jesus. Elijah stood his ground for the Lord because he knew that God cared. Job 33: 11 says he puts my feet in the stocks, and watches all my paths. Elijah knew too well that God was watching his paths and would uphold him. Do we exercise the same faith in God based on scripture?
God has a special assignment for each of us as he had for Elijah. We will be judged individually and not as a group. Each person will be accountable to God for his stewardship. Jesus gave a parable in Matthew 25: 19 that the Master after a long time demanded accounts from his slaves (paraphrased). Jesus told of another parable regarding accountability in Luke 16: 2-10, the Master said to the shrewd servant, give me an accounting of your management. Jesus commended his foresight for the future, not craftiness.
For these reasons among many, Paul, like Elijah wrote in 2 Timothy 4: 7, I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. A number of us have abandoned our assignments or taken other tasks which we are not been assigned. Jesus said in Revelation 22: 12, see, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. What work have you been assigned?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, wash away our neglect to remain steadfast in your work in your blood and make us faithful to our charge as faithful servants of the cross in your holy name, Amen!!
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