Elijah calls for a test
1 Kings 18.1-46
This is a passage full of great lessons for us. Here are just a couple:
Number one: confront the enemy boldly.
Number two: don't cower - don't take any guff off of those who would try to destroy you.
I have this mental picture of Elijah appearing publicly as a bold, no nonsense, rough and tough, direct individual. I see him privately as being quite a different guy.
Because we are dealing with his public persona, let's take a look at some of these lessons.
One of the things that has done the cause of Christ great damage, and limited the personal effectiveness and accomplishments of many individuals, is the common tendency of conflict avoidance. Injustice has triumphed, people have been hurt and many killed because good people turned away, or stood by and did nothing.
That was NOT Elijah's pattern.
Elijah didn't beat around the bush...he stated directly his position. I've always encouraged my daughters to "define" themselves. If you don't "define" yourself someone else will define you, and you won't like the portrayal.
Know where you stand, and then, by George, STAND THERE! Don't give ground when you know you are right. Righteousness is, simply stated, doing what's right. Be right, stand for what's right, do right and let the devil beware - there is one here who will defiantly and aggressively stand against all the greasy dirtbags and slimeballs who dare impugn those who want decency, integrity, truth - righteousness!
It doesn't matter how much water is thrown on your sacrificial intentions. God, and God alone is the One whom we intend to please! You hold up the torch - God will light the fires.