IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH -HE ENDURED TO THE END

 Elijah took in the news; King Ahab was dead. We may imagine the elderly prophet stroking his beard thoughtfully, his eyes unfocused, as he cast his thoughts back over decades of dealing with that wicked king. Elijah had to endure so much! He had been threatened and hunted and had even faced death-all at the hands of Ahab and his queen Jezebel. The king had nothing to stop Jezebel from ordering the slaughter of many of Jehovah's prophets. Together the couple had also conspired to murder and innocent and righteous man, Naboth, along with his sons, purely out of greed. In response, Elijah had delivered Jehovah's judgment message condemning Ahab and his entire dynasty. Now, God's words were coming true. Ahab died in the way Jehovah foretold. - 1 KINGS 18:4; 21:1-26; 22:37. 38; 2 KINGS 9:26. 

Nonetheless, Elijah knew that he needed to continue enduring. Jezebel was still alive, and she continued to exert her awful influence over her family and nation. Elijah would face more challenges, and he had much yet to teach his companion and successor, so Elijah. So let us consider three of Elijah's final assignments. As we see how his faith helped him to endure, we may see better how to strengthen our own faith during the troubled times in which we live. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH - Judging Ahaziah

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