Bible Studies

The Preacher Who Faced Burnout And Ran From A Woman

1 Kings 19

You’re not the only One!

I am inclined to think that Elijah was suffering from burnout, as many leaders do. Elijah delivered a major blow to the enemy – He and God against 450 prophets of Baal. Imagine if you will, Elijah watching ungodly men giving useless worship and making appeals to a god who cannot hear for hours.  This was the challenge of the century:  “The God who answers by fire, He is God!” 

The prophets of Baal called upon their god from morning till noon as they cut themselves with swords, blood splattering all over the place (1 Kings 18:28). Elijah mocked them in their vain attempt – “Maybe your god is occupied? On vacation? Asleep?  As expected, Baal did not answer. It was Elijah’s moment to call upon his God.  I encourage you to read the account for yourself in 1 Kings 18. It is a fascinating display of theatrics. Elijah barely prayed, when God consumed his offering – the wood, the stones, the dust, and the water. There was no doubting who was God! In response to this display of power, judgment was pronounced upon those who corrupted God’s people. The prophets of the false god Baal would die. Seeing that the king himself was an idol worshiper, the Law of Moses required that the man of God would render the judgment. That day, Elijah, commissioned by God, killed all 450 prophets of Baal. We can expect God to judge those who corrupt His church. Woe to the man or woman of God who is corrupt a shepherd or allows the influence of godless and worthless leaders to guide His people.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *