ELIJAH/He Watched and He Waited - Confident and Watchful

 Elijah was sure that Jehovah would act to end the drought, but he was not sure when Jehovah would act. So, what did the prophet do in the meantime?  Note what the account says:  "He says to his attendant: 'God up, please. Look in the direction of the sea.' So he went  up and looked and then said: 'There is nothing at all.' And he went on to say, 'Go back,' for seven times." (1 Kings 18:43) Elijah's example teaches us at least two lessons. First, not the prophet's confidence.  Then, consider his watchfulness.

Because Elijah had confidence in Jehovah's promise, he eagerly sought the evidence  that Jehovah was about to act.  He sent his attendant up to a high vantage point to scan the horizon for any signs of impending rain. Upon his return, the attendant delivered this unenthusiastic report:  "There is nothing at all." The horizon was clear, and the sky, evidently cloudless.  Now, did you  notice something unusual?  Remember, Elijah had just told King Ahab: "There is the sound of the turmoil of a downpour."  How could the prophet say such a thing when there were no rain clouds to be seen? 

Next time: ELIJAH/He Watched and He Waited - Confident and Watchful

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