Text: James 5:17-18
Theme: The prayer life of Elijah
Introduction
Elijah means Yahweh is my God. His lifestyle is described in 2 Kings 1:7-8. Elijah was a good athlete; he ran faster than a horse (1 Kings 18:46). He was a man of humor: “By noon, Elijah had started making fun of them, taunting, “Call a little louder—he is a god, after all. Maybe he’s off meditating somewhere or other, or maybe he’s gotten involved in a project, or maybe he’s on vacation. You don’t suppose he’s overslept, do you, and needs to be waked up?” They prayed louder and louder, cutting themselves with swords and knives—a ritual common to them—until they were covered with blood.” (1 Kings 18:27)
The prayer life made Elijah stand before God, stand before Kings, and stand with weaker sections.
Joke
One Sunday in a church, a young child was "disturbing" during the service. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally, the father angrily picked up the little fellow and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out. Just before opening the door, the little one cried loudly to the congregation, "Please Pray for me! Pray for me!"(Adopted)
1. Elijah stood before God
Elijah was introduced as a man who stood before God. He used to spend hours together in the presence of God (1 kings 17:1). He earnestly prayed as per James 5:17 to bind the heavens and the clouds, and to open the heavens and the clouds. He had the courage to tell that but by his word heavens will not listen to any sacrifices made by men around the world. He had the shortest prayer as per 1 Kings 18:36-37 for the downpouring of the consuming fire, he had silent solitary prayer according to 1 Kings 19:14 for the outpouring of the rain. He prayed with faith, humility, and with persistence (1 Kings 18:41-46). Elijah had the spirit of seriousness. He meant prayer as an important task in his life. He was taken up to heaven because of his prayer life (2 Kings 2).
However, he misconstrued that he was the only faithful person in the entire Israelites community (1 Kings 19:10, 14, 18). Always self-righteousness and spiritual pride puts us down, and keep us aloof and not able to enjoy the real fellowship with one another. He was a man of God (1 king 17:24), a servant of God (18:36), and a faithful prophet of God 1 Kings 17:16, 17:24, 18:44, 2 kings 1:17). We could see his spirit and life in the form of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-6).
2. Elijah stood before Kings
Elijah had the guts and strength to face the kings not to praise them but to warn and forth telling the will of God. God told Elijah to appear before king Ahab who wanted to kill him (1 King 18:10). The first word that came from the mouth of king Ahab was you are a trouble maker of the Israelites but Elijah said that he was not a trouble maker but troubleshooter. He is not the person for the confusion but for the conclusion of the good resolutions (1 Kings 18:18). Then the next meeting was at Naboth’s garden. Elijah cursed the king for his evil acts against the righteous Naboth (1 Kings 21: 17-25). King Ahab has sold himself to his wife’s ideals of evil and idolatry. The Lord was so angry and upset with this king. He stood before king Ahaziah. He warned him about his apostasy and foretold his death (2 Kings 1:6, 16).
3. Elijah stood with weaker sections
This prophet was known for his simplicity in life, food, and lifestyle. He used to depend upon God for every meal of the day. First few months the ravens fed Him (1 Kings 17:2-4), then he was fed by the widow of Zarephath in the region of Sidon (1 Kings 17:7-14). Then he was fed by the angel of the Lord with hot bread and delicious meat (1 Kings 5-8).
He identified himself with the poor, needy, downtrodden, and people who had met with injustice. He was with the victims of justice. He cried for the benefit of the people and the need of the mass. He was a mass leader but a lonely person. He stood with Naboth, he stood with the widow, he stood with people, he stood with poor sons of the prophet. He stood with Jesus Christ during his transfiguration experience. He spoke about the sufferings and the victory awaiting him and for the whole world.
Conclusion: People of prayer always lead a high life and they have strength to face all problems in life.
