Prophet Of Courage And Confrontation

1 Kings 19:1-18 Prophet Of Courage And Confrontation Elijah has expected a great revival to come to the land. Therefore, he ran away from his position, his problem, and his people. I. THE MISERY OF THE PROPHET V. 1-4 A. We See Elijah Running V.3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, B. We See Elijah Retiring V.4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: C. We See Elijah Reasoning V.4 and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. II. THE MINISTRY TO THE PROPHET V. 5-14 A. A Ministry Of Consideration - V. 5-8 1. Involved Rest - V. 5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, Remember, even the Lord Jesus took time to rest, "And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.", Mark 6:31. 2. Involved Refreshment - V. 5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. When we are in a time of discouragement, depression, or doubt, we will find that the Lord knows just how to meet our need. 3. Involved Recovery - V. 8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. B. A Ministry Of Compassion - V. 5-8 1. Involved Gentleness - V. 5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, When the Lord comes to Elijah, there are no sermons, no lectures, no threats, no reproaches and no rebukes. 2. Involved Grace - V. 7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. a. In God's Presence - 7 And the angel of the LORD (Lord Himself) b. In God's Provisions - 8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights c. In God's Patience - 8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. C. A Ministry Of Confrontation - V. 9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?

1. The Challenge - Here, Moses had met God by a burning bush. Here, God had handed down His Law to the people of Israel. 2. The Command -V. 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. God calls him back to that place where nothing but God matters! Heb. 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. The Confrontation - V. 11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. III. THE MENDING OF THE PROPHET V. 15-21 A. It Involved A New Commission - V. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: Elijah is told to return to Israel through Syria. to anoint 2 kings and a prophet. B. It Involved A New Comfort - V. 18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. Heb. 4:15-16. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Phil. 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. C. It Involved A New Companion - V. 19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, 21 Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."