Elijah – a study in humanity

I. Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab. 1 Kings 17:1- 18:46

(1). The promise of no rain. 1 Kings 17:1-7 Note that this is a direct confrontation to the worshippers of Baal. Will they be able to overcome
the power of Jehovah? The answer, of course, is no. They will receive a three year long object lesson.

The Ugaritic myths depict Baal as a mighty warrior-king who controls the elements of the storm.
As the controller of the storm, Baal was responsible for agricultural blessing. According to the Legend of Kirtu, Baal provided rain and, consequently, food for all:

(2). The provision for the prophet. 1 Kings 17:8-24
(3). The proof of God’s sovereignty. 1 Kings 18:1-46

(a). Elijah’s challenge to Ahab. 1 Kings 18:1-16
(b). Elijah’s confidence in God. 1 Kings 18:17-40
(c). Elijah’s cry unto God. 1 Kings 18:41-46

James 5:17-18 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

II. Elijah’s courage failed. 1 Kings 19:1-21

(1). Dejection. 1 Kings 19:1-4

(a). Crying alone in the desert.

[1]. He became concerned over his personal safety.
[2]. He fled and sought safety in solitude. It seems that he was not a social person.

(b). Contributing factors to his state of mind.

[1]. Decisions because of a completed task. What would he do next?
[2]. Deprivation. He had been living on the edge for years.
[3]. Disappointed.

[a]. Ahab had not repented.
[b]. Jezebel had increased her vehemence.

[4]. Drained. He was exhausted from his activities.

(2). Demonstration of care. 1 Kings 19:5-8

(a). Sleep.
[1]. Rest for the body.
[2]. Peace for the mind.

(b). Food.

[1]. Relaxation in taking food.
[2]. Replenishment of energy.

(c). Encouragement. Go spend time with God.

(3). Deliberation. 1 Kings 19:9-14

(a). Elijah’s self-examination. What were his motives. 1 Kings 19:9,10
(b). Elijah’s object lesson from God. 1 Kings 19:11-13
(c). Elijah’s honest and natural question – why go on? 1 Kings 19:14

(4). Direction. There is work to do if you will do it.

(a). The plan set forth. 1 Kings 19:15-17
(b). The plain truth – a soft rebuke. I kings 19:18

(5). Devotion. 1 Kings 19:19-21

(a). Out of seven thousand faithful servants, God had chosen
Elijah to do this work.
(b). God’s love and care are shown in that He took time to
rebuild this man instead of setting him aside and choosing another.