“The effective,
fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature
like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain
on the land for three years and six months.
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced
its fruit.” (James 5:16-18 NKJ)
fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature
like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain
on the land for three years and six months.
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced
its fruit.” (James 5:16-18 NKJ)
Do you find it
incredible that humans can have such a powerful influence with God? When a
person prays and God responds by withholding rain for thirty-six months, that
person has influence with God.
incredible that humans can have such a powerful influence with God? When a
person prays and God responds by withholding rain for thirty-six months, that
person has influence with God.
And it’s not
“bragging-rights” influence either. Instead, this fervent prayer
influence is done secretly in our private devotions with God. Other than
Elijah’s declaration to King Ahab (1 Kings 17:1) and James’ testimony in
today’s passage, we have no record of the actual event where Elijah prayed to
withhold the rain.
“bragging-rights” influence either. Instead, this fervent prayer
influence is done secretly in our private devotions with God. Other than
Elijah’s declaration to King Ahab (1 Kings 17:1) and James’ testimony in
today’s passage, we have no record of the actual event where Elijah prayed to
withhold the rain.
Elijah’s heavenly
influence got Israel’s attention. When a
person has influence in heaven, he/she will also have influence on the earth.
During the three and a half years without rain, King Ahab had issued apprehend-on-sight
orders for him. Then, with 450 prophets of Baal publicly insulted and killed,
Queen Jezebel had personally threatened his life. It came with a personal
price, but Elijah influenced Israel to return to God and reject Baal worship.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
influence got Israel’s attention. When a
person has influence in heaven, he/she will also have influence on the earth.
During the three and a half years without rain, King Ahab had issued apprehend-on-sight
orders for him. Then, with 450 prophets of Baal publicly insulted and killed,
Queen Jezebel had personally threatened his life. It came with a personal
price, but Elijah influenced Israel to return to God and reject Baal worship.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Yes, he had
influence at Heaven’s court, but “Elijah was a man with a nature like
ours.”So, just like we would do, Elijah took the get-out-of-town option.
Sometimes, running from the enemy is our only option. Remember Joseph! Elijah
was no fool, he knew nothing would deter Jezebel from carrying out her threat.
influence at Heaven’s court, but “Elijah was a man with a nature like
ours.”So, just like we would do, Elijah took the get-out-of-town option.
Sometimes, running from the enemy is our only option. Remember Joseph! Elijah
was no fool, he knew nothing would deter Jezebel from carrying out her threat.
But as he made his
escape, his strength failed him. And just like us, Elijah became tired and
sleepy. His emotional strength diminished, just like ours will do. Evidently,
he reviewed the circumstances and wrongly concluded that he was the only
faithful servant of God left in Israel. And just like us, he became depressed.
escape, his strength failed him. And just like us, Elijah became tired and
sleepy. His emotional strength diminished, just like ours will do. Evidently,
he reviewed the circumstances and wrongly concluded that he was the only
faithful servant of God left in Israel. And just like us, he became depressed.
To his credit,
Elijah ran to the mountain of the Lord. Yet, even going to God’s refuge, he
needed the strength of God to sustain him on the way. Twice, the angel of the
Lord came and strengthened him. Thank God for his faithfulness to his servants!
Elijah ran to the mountain of the Lord. Yet, even going to God’s refuge, he
needed the strength of God to sustain him on the way. Twice, the angel of the
Lord came and strengthened him. Thank God for his faithfulness to his servants!
God decided that
Elijah needed his strength energized anew, just like we do from time to time.
But the energizing power of God was not in the wind that whistled around the
mountain. It was not in the earthquake that shook the mountain. It was not in
the fire that scorched the mountain.
Elijah needed his strength energized anew, just like we do from time to time.
But the energizing power of God was not in the wind that whistled around the
mountain. It was not in the earthquake that shook the mountain. It was not in
the fire that scorched the mountain.
Rather, God’s
strength and power was renewed in Elijah as God quietly and calmly gave him
encouraging assurance and instructed him for further ministry. Despite the
enemy’s threats, God was not finished with his influential servant.
strength and power was renewed in Elijah as God quietly and calmly gave him
encouraging assurance and instructed him for further ministry. Despite the
enemy’s threats, God was not finished with his influential servant.
Dear Father, thank
you for your energizing assurance and encouragement. Strengthen our resolve to
influence our world for your glory. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for your energizing assurance and encouragement. Strengthen our resolve to
influence our world for your glory. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be a strong
influence for Christ today,
influence for Christ today,