Topic 4: The Prophet Elijah and True Worship

1. Background

• Elijah the Tishbite from Gilead prophesied in the northern kingdom during the reign of King Ahab (about 874-853 BC).
• Ahab married Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, who promoted Baal worship and persecuted the prophets of the Lord.

2. Elijah's Ministry

a) The Drought (1 Kings 17)

• Elijah announced that there would be no rain except at his word.
• God fed him by the brook Cherith (ravens brought food), then at Zarephath he stayed with a widow whose flour and oil did not run out; he also raised her son.

b) The Contest on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18)

• Elijah challenged 450 prophets of Baal to a contest. The god who answered by fire would be God.
• Baal's prophets cried out all day with no answer.
• Elijah rebuilt the altar, drenched it with water and prayed. Fire from the Lord consumed the sacrifice.
• The people declared that the Lord is God, the prophets of Baal were killed, and rain returned.

c) Flight to Horeb (1 Kings 19)

• Jezebel threatened his life; Elijah fled, depressed, to Mount Horeb.
• God spoke through a still small voice and sent him back with tasks: anoint Hazael, Jehu and Elisha. God told him 7,000 had not bowed to Baal.

d) Naboth's Vineyard (1 Kings 21)

• Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard; Naboth refused because it was his inheritance.
• Jezebel arranged false witnesses and Naboth was stoned.
• Elijah pronounced God's judgment on Ahab and Jezebel.

e) Elijah's End (2 Kings 2)

• Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind with chariots of fire; Elisha took up his mantle.

3. Lessons for Christians Today

1. Worship God alone; reject idolatry and compromise.
2. Have courage to stand for truth even when in the minority.
3. Trust God to provide in hard times.
4. Speak against injustice and abuse of power.
5. God cares for us in times of discouragement.
6. Prayer is powerful.