APRIL 17

Ahab was now king of Israel. His wicked wife, Jezebel,
encouraged him in Baal worship and Ahab led the entire nation into
Baal worship.

In chapter 17 Elijah suddenly appears in Ahab’s court to
proclaim that the drought would last another three years. Lack of
rain was the punishment for the sins of the people. Following his
proclamation, Elijah retires from public ministry for three years.
During this time the Lord graciously cared for him. The obedient
servant of God can always depend on the Master’s faithful care.

In chapter 18 Elijah returns to public ministry. God had
been preparing him these three years for the job that was now before
him. In verses 1-16 he faces Obadiah; in verses 17-29 he faces the
prophets of Baal, mocking them, and later revealing Baal as a false
god. In verses 30-34 Elijah is in Israel. He had exposed the
foolishness of sin of Baal, but the more important job was now
bringing the nation back to the true worship of Jehovah.

What we do with God in private is far more important than
what God does for us in public. Our hidden life prepares us for our
public life. Unless we are willing to go through the disciples of
the dry brook, the depleted barrel, and the dead boy, as Elijah did,
we will never have the victories Elijah had at Mt. Carmel.

In chapter 19:1-8 God refreshes Elijah; in verses 9-18 God
rebukes him; and finally God replaces him (verses 19-21). Elijah’s
life should be a good warning to us against despondency and
discouragement. Often when we feel we have accomplished nothing, God
reveals that He has used us more than we realize. It is a dangerous
thing to think we are the only one holding to the truth. Elijah’s
bitterness and despondency, when he thought he was fighting the
battle alone, could have shortened his ministry. The best solution
for discouragement is found in Isaiah 40:31.