30-Jul-2024 – Let the world see the power of God in you
And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, “Go down with him: be not afraid of him.” And he arose and went down with him unto the king. – 2 Kings 1:15
Today, God wants to speak to those who have a desire to do something for the LORD or to testify to God’s hand in their life. For this, we will learn from Elijah in this chapter.
“But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, ‘Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.’ And Elijah departed.” – 2 Kings 1:3-4
Here, the king of Israel, who must govern the people of God according to the will of God and under the authority of God, went to inquire of the god of Moab. God told Elijah to convey this message to the king’s servants.
Let us consider a normal practical scenario. Ahaziah was a king, so he had authority and power. If someone pointed out mistakes in his dealings, he could become furious and go to any extent to satisfy his ego. From Elijah’s perspective, he was under a government that was not functioning according to God’s guidelines. He had to choose: whether to fear God, who is not visible directly, or to fear the king, who is visible. Elijah believed God, chose God, and sent the message.
“Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of a hill. And he spake unto him, ‘Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down.'” – 2 Kings 1:9
This scene does not seem like the king wanted to consult Elijah to correct his ways but rather wanted to display his power and authority. If Elijah went down, the king might have planned some harm to satisfy his ego. At this time, Elijah said, “If I am a man of God, then let the fire come down and burn these fellows.” And it happened.
How should we look at this? From Elijah’s perspective, he did what God commanded by delivering the message. The king then wanted to display his power and authority over Elijah. But Elijah displayed the power of God and conveyed that God’s authority is more powerful than the king’s.
Finally, when the third battalion came, the leader of the battalion understood and acknowledged that Elijah was indeed a man of God and pleaded for mercy. Then God gave the green signal to Elijah to go and proclaim what he had to.
To stand like this, ordinary faith is not sufficient. Unwavering, doubtless belief in the character of God and a relationship with God is required. If we believe God in this way, like Elijah, we too can do valiant deeds and stand strong in any adverse situation, even if we have to face the most powerful and legally authoritative people or situations. Our God is above all.
Prayer
Dear loving heavenly Father, thank you for your love and grace. Thank you for teaching us today about the level of faith and belief we should have in you to stand like Elijah. Help us to have the zeal of Elijah in our lives to demonstrate your greatness and power whenever there is an opportunity. I pray in the name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen!
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