Drought
And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead,
said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand,
there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
1 Kings 17:1
Read 1 Kings 17:1-7
Serving idols would not benefit Israel. The false fertility gods named Baal
and Ashtoreth were served during the reign of Ahab. These gods were supposed
to guarantee a good harvest as well as an abundance of livestock.
But, as Elijah predicted, a great drought would come upon the land, bringing
famine. There would be no rain and no dew to refresh the land. The
drought would last three and a half years. This was the message the Lord
called Elijah to bring to Ahab. Delivering this message was quite a challenge,
for kings in those days would often put those who brought bad news
to death. But the Lord gave Elijah the strength and courage to bring this
distressing message. He declared it honestly and plainly to the king; he did
not beat around the bush.
We too need to speak in a sincere, straightforward way to those around us.
In our day, many idols are being served, such as sports idols, the love of
money and self-esteem. Serving these gods will never bring happiness into
your life. In fact, the exact opposite is true. We can only experience true
happiness when we serve the Lord. Have you ever dared to say this to your
friends and colleagues? Are you afraid to confess this to your boss? Elijah
was not afraid of King Ahab, and neither should we be afraid of our fellow
man. Ask God to give you the necessary wisdom and courage. He has promised
to do it!
Thought: Speak honestly with your peers.
Psalter 423:1,4 (based on Psalm 97)
Jehovah reigns as King, To Him all homage bring;
Ye islands, earth, and ocean, Break forth in glad devotion.
Dark clouds of secrecy, Enshroud His majesty.
The pillars of His throne Are fixed on truth alone
And perfect equity.
Confounded be all they Who in their folly pray
To gods of man’s creation, And boast of vain salvation.
Jehovah, Him we laud, For He alone is God.
Come, all ye gods, draw near, And worship Him with fear,
By His dominion awed.
