Pastor's Pondering, January 28, 2019

Becoming A Force

In the Bible, the prophet Elijah spoke to the Ahab, the king of Israel and decreed that there would be a drought in the land (1 Kings 17:1).  This prophet dared to speak truth to the king that had been more evil than any of his predecessors (1 Kings 16:30).  When Ahab complained that the prophet had brought disaster by declaring a drought, Elijah concluded that it was the king’s fault due to his disobedience to God (1 Kings 18:16-18).

Today we are in crises.  There is climate change, increasing income inequality, bullying, savage gunplay, homelessness, illegal drug use and a host of other problems. We need those who love God to stand up, speak truth to power and say this is immoral or that is not right. We don’t need people making pronouncements who are primarily wedded to their political party, religious affiliation, or business organization.  We need more people who have a true relationship with God who are willing to say what God said. God said if His people would simply humble themselves, pray, and stop being evil, He would hear them, forgive them and heal the challenges that face the land (2 Chronicles 7:14). 

We don’t need leaders speaking the considered opinion of their board of directors. We do not need politicians who are attuned to the latest polls or talking heads mouthing the interests of their corporate bosses.  We need more people, like the prophet Elijah, who are hearing from the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and who are willing to say things are wicked and that God is calling for people to return to Him, obey Him, and love Him.  

We need people who don’t necessarily have titles, but simply love God and are willing to challenge evil wherever they find it.  We can change the nation when we ask God what He wants rather than what some committee has decided.  We can change the world when we decide that we would rather obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). People who love the Lord must become a force for Christ.  

1 Kings 17:1 
New International Version (NIV)

17 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

1 Kings 16:30
New International Version (NIV)
30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him

1 Kings 18:16-18
Amplified Bible (AMP)

16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.

17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Are you the one who is bringing disaster on Israel?”
18 Elijah said, “I have not brought disaster on Israel, but you and your father’s household have, by abandoning (rejecting) the commandments of the Lord and by following the Baals.

2 Chronicles 7:14
New International Version (NIV)

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Acts 5:29
New International Version (NIV)

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!