The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy 1 Kings 18: /13/2008 Dr. Dane Boyles

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy Introduction Since God had answered Elijah’s prayer by fire and the people had shown at least a surface repentance, only one more step was necessary before God could send rain. The removal of the prophets of Baal from Israel. Introduction Since God had answered Elijah’s prayer by fire and the people had shown at least a surface repentance, only one more step was necessary before God could send rain. The removal of the prophets of Baal from Israel.

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy They had been holding the people in spiritual bondage and were a constant threat to the future development of God’s people. It would have left the impression in the minds of these priests as well as the Israelites that the prophets of Baal, though agents of apostasy, were immune from judgment. They had been holding the people in spiritual bondage and were a constant threat to the future development of God’s people. It would have left the impression in the minds of these priests as well as the Israelites that the prophets of Baal, though agents of apostasy, were immune from judgment.

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy  Judgment and Mercy (18:40-46). 40 Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there. (1 Kings 18:40) Elijah obeyed the Lord and killed the prophets of Baal.  Judgment and Mercy (18:40-46). 40 Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there. (1 Kings 18:40) Elijah obeyed the Lord and killed the prophets of Baal.

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy 5 That prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he preached rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way the LORD your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you. (Deut 13:5)

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy Elijah instructs Ahab to prepare for the coming rain. 41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, (1 Kings 18:41-42a)  This was a testimony to the faith of Elijah. Elijah instructs Ahab to prepare for the coming rain. 41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, (1 Kings 18:41-42a)  This was a testimony to the faith of Elijah.

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy Elijah Prays for Rain. 42 but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. (1 Kings 18:42) Elijah Prays for Rain. 42 but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. (1 Kings 18:42)

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy 7 “I also withheld rain from you when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one town, but withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up. (Amos 4:7)

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy 18 the heavens gave rain, and the earth produces its crops (James 5:18).  Once more, he needed to be alone with God. 18 the heavens gave rain, and the earth produces its crops (James 5:18).  Once more, he needed to be alone with God.

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy Elijah was looking for God’s answer.  Elijah teaches us about what Hebrews tells us about faith: 11 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Heb 11:1) Elijah was looking for God’s answer.  Elijah teaches us about what Hebrews tells us about faith: 11 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Heb 11:1)

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Heb 11:6)

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy 43 “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy  When his servant came back saying that there was nothing, Elijah’s faith was not shaken. 44 The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” (1 Kings 18:42b-44)  When his servant came back saying that there was nothing, Elijah’s faith was not shaken. 44 The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” (1 Kings 18:42b-44)

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy The race is on. 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:45) The race is on. 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:45)

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy  The scene as depicted here is remarkable. 46 The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:45-46)  The scene as depicted here is remarkable. 46 The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:45-46)

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy Conclusion The hand of the Lord was on His prophet, and Elijah outran the chariot to the gates of the city. Conclusion The hand of the Lord was on His prophet, and Elijah outran the chariot to the gates of the city.

The Life of Elijah: Judgment and Mercy 1 Kings 18: /13/2008 Dr. Dane Boyles