Leaving your cave

 God called Elijah out of his cave of despair so that he could receive a final mission (1 Kings 19). God seems to have consoled Elijah by reminding him that God is still all-powerful and that He still had work for Elijah. Are you able to find consolation in God's mission for your life?

Super Awesome Mega Pastor...Rides Again!

 We are naturally drawn to exciting and powerful speakers who, like Elijah  (1 Kings 19), seem to do the impossible. Jesus warned of those who try to worship God by teaching man's commandments instead of understanding the heart of God (Matt 15:9). We would do well to seek God first and test what we hear against what we know to be true of God.

Hiding Out

 

After his greatest victory, Elijah feared for his life and went into hiding (1 Kings 19). In his cave of despair, Elijah rehearsed all of the evil his country was facing and began to see an exaggerated version of the problem, where he was the only one left who loved God and that God had abandoned him. Do you have exaggerated versions of your problems? Are you feeling abandoned by God? Can you tell God how you feel?

Following the popular politicians

 

Elijah became an "enemy of the state" when he began the process of reinstating his country's original Theocracy (1 Kings 19). The queen's state religion derived its power from a political state and a charismatic leader, Elijah showed that the one true God is not bound by state politics or human popularity. Are you able to trust God over leaders, political parties, or even your favorite political issue?

Political power of having a king

 

Samuel warned the Israelites that a king would take their children for his labor force, but Israel persisted that they wanted the political status that having a king would provide. Samuel’s prediction came true, and soon Israel regretted their request. Desire for political power can be very real danger for God’s people.

All the cool churches have one

 

Israel resisted God's leadership and demanded a king so that they could be like the other nations around them (1 Sam 8). God warned Israel that a king would prove costly and that it was a decision they would regret. As Christians we should ask if we are seeking popularity through enterprising techniques, or are we acting out the gospel so that others can see Jesus in us?

Hiding the truth from the king

 

Samuel feared for his life when God called him to anoint King Saul's replacement. Rather than chastise Samuel for his reluctance, God gave Samuel an excuse for visiting the village where the anointing would take place (I Sam 16). God's care for Samuel's legitimate fear is the opposite of Saul's evil leadership (Prov. 29:2). May God save us from leaders who love power more than their constituents.