Day 178 – 1 Kings 17-19

Talking Points

• What a sad sight to imagine — the false prophets worshiping their false gods. In emptiness, they call out, eventually leaping, shouting, even cutting themselves, all to no avail. Their false hope is revealed this day, just as any hope placed in anything other than the one true God will one day be.
• Ahab and his wicked kingdom are now under God’s judgment. Yet, only God can demonstrate judgment and kindness at the same time in the same act. His desire for all rebelling people is that they would know He is the true God and turn to Him.
• We see God’s faithful provision for those living in obedience. First, birds feed Elijah. Then, God miraculously provides for the despondent widow and her son. We can be sure that where God leads, He always provides! Many years later, Paul will report, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
• Over and over, God’s people are faced with a choice. “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (18:21). Why do we hesitate?

Thoughts

My friend reminded me of something big I’m prone to forget: People are just people. They are great, and they are terrible. They are something, and they are something else. They give us hope, and they dash our hopes. People are, well, just people.

This is seen in Elijah, too. He makes a bold stand, confidently exalting the one true God. He audaciously mocks the false prophets of Baal in their vain attempts to summon their god. He is a hero of faith, bigger than life! And, then, just as quickly, he is not. My favorite part? God understands. Where Elijah stands in great faith, God uses him tremendously. And, when Elijah is tired, fearful, and overwhelmed, God works there as well. People are just people.

What if God only used the heroes? What if He only had a place for those who would never falter, never stumble, never fall down? If that were the case, He would never use anybody, because people are just people. Praise the Lord who saves and restores people. Praise the One who uses and is glorified through people. Because, people are just people.