CHARIOT OF FIRE

[49]

ELIJAH AND ELISHA

Read 1 Kings 19:19–21; 2 Kings 2:1–14

     As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.   2 Kings 2:11-12 NIV

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     There is no doubt that Elijah stood tall among the prophets of all time. He entered Heaven with as much drama as he lived. Only one other man entered Heaven without dying, and that was Enoch, who simply "walked with God." right into Heaven. (Genesis 5:24)
     Elijah's great power came from God's Spirit resting on him. The younger Elisha–who watched as Elijah was taken to Heaven–requested and received a double portion of God's Spirit and continued the ministry. (2 Kings 2:9)

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     The time will come when all of the believers on earth will experience a day when the “Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

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     Dear Jesus, I am looking forward to that day when both those who have died in the Lord and those who remain–will be caught up to be with You forever. May my life reflect that hope and may I always walk with You

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     According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.    1 Thessalonians 4:15 NIV

TIMES OF DEPRESSION

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ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL

Read 1 Kings Chapters 18–19

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     Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried,"The LORD–he is God! The LORD–he is God!" 1 Kings 18:38-39 NIV

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     Elijah's eight recorded miracles are among the most spectacular in the Bible–Elijah prayed, and God answered–but not long after his courageous contest with the prophets of Baal, a threat by Jezebel sent him into deep depression. In his despondency, Elijah believed that he was all alone in his faith. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life–” (1 Kings 19:4)

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     Eventually after forty days of running, and several miraculous signs, God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice saying; “I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (19:18 NKJV) It is human nature to be depressed when we are exhausted–or have had a major victory–followed by down time. Like Elijah, we often need to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit assuring our hearts.

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     Lord, help me to turn to You when I feel like I am standing alone in a worldly culture. I want to be true to You, no matter how tired or discouraged I am. Help me to trust You for the strength I need to be faithful.

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     The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;

Psalm 28:7 NKJV

ELIJAH AND THE WIDOW

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Read: 1 Kings 16:29–17:24

     So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:15–16 NIV

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      God judged an evil king by bringing famine on the land, just as He had prophesied through Elijah. But in the midst of the famine, God provided for a destitute widow and her son. First, the woman had to be willing to use her last bit of flour and oil to feed the prophet. Then by a miracle of supply, her oil and flour never ran out until the rains came.

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      Sometimes the difficulties we face may be caused by the sin or wrong choices of other people. God may allow a situation that has nothing to do with us personally, except for providing an opportunity to trust Him. But just as He cared for this widow and her son, God sees and cares about our needs.

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      Lord, I don't always have to know why something is happening–I just need to trust you as the one who supplies our needs–both physical and emotional. Whenever I am worried, help me to remember this:
      “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV)

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      "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 NIV