Elijah

What About Discouragement?

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It is not unusual for those who have chosen to follow the Lamb whithersoever He leadeth to experience discouragement from time to time. Often, when that occurs, the discouraged one can be tempted to question the sincerity of his commitment. He is prone to ask himself, “Am I failing in my Christian walk because I occasionally experience times of discouragement?” But didn’t some of our patriarchs go through times of discouragement?

Adam was undoubtedly a bit discouraged when he and Eve were banned from the Garden of Eden. More discouragement must have followed when Cain slew Abel.

Was Noah jubilant when the whole world rejected the message that God had told him to share? For 120 years, he delivered the message of warning to the world, to have only seven others accept it and join him on the ark.

How about Moses? The murmuring and complaining of the children of Israel during their wilderness journey surely discouraged him from time to time. There were certainly times when, although he was following specific directions from God, he was less than totally happy—the golden calf, the complaints about their diet, the blame heaped upon him because of the length of the journey, the lack of water!

Scripture tells us specifically that the Israelites themselves were discouraged. “And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.” Numbers 21:4.

Consider Job. When he lost all that he had––home, livestock, and children––and his own wife told him to curse God and die, how happy do you think he was? When even his three best friends tried to convince him that he was responsible for his afflictions, there were probably at least a few fleeting thoughts of discouragement from time to time.

Elijah fled in discouragement when Jezebel threatened his life, even though he had just seen fire come down from heaven as a testament to his faith in God.

Perhaps the most striking and memorable example of discouragement we have is that of the disciples after Christ’s crucifixion.

“After the death of Christ the disciples were well-nigh overcome by discouragement. Their Master had been rejected, condemned, and crucified. The priests and rulers had declared scornfully, ‘He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.’ Matthew 27:42. The sun of the disciples’ hope had set, and night settled down upon their hearts. Often they repeated the words, ‘We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel.’ Luke 24:21.” The Acts of the Apostles, 25.

In each of these cases, however, let us not lose sight of the fact that faith eventually prevailed.

What if Elijah had given up in discouragement after praying six times? By faith he prayed the seventh, and rain came (I Kings 18:42–45).

Because of Job’s love for his persecutors and his unfailing faith in the resurrection, God restored to him two-fold his losses. “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10.

The disciple Mark was so discouraged at one point that he gave up his evangelistic efforts and returned to Jerusalem. Mark had been a publican and was undoubtedly wealthy. His home was probably large and well-maintained, staffed with servants to do his bidding. For a brief time, he was overcome by culture-shock and abandoned the call to return to the comforts that he had known so well. We can read about that in The Acts of the Apostles, 169, 170:

“As faithful shepherds in search of the lost sheep, they [the disciples] gave no thought to their own ease and convenience. Forgetful of self, they faltered not when weary, hungry, and cold. They had in view but one object—the salvation of those who had wandered far from the fold.

“It was here that Mark, overwhelmed with fear and discouragement, wavered for a time in his purpose to give himself wholeheartedly to the Lord’s work. Unused to hardships, he was disheartened by the perils and privations of the way. He had labored with success under favorable circumstances; but now, amidst the opposition and perils that so often beset the pioneer worker, he failed to endure hardness as a good soldier of the cross. He had yet to learn to face danger and persecution and adversity with a brave heart. As the apostles advanced, and still greater difficulties were apprehended, Mark was intimidated and, losing all courage, refused to go farther and returned to Jerusalem.”

By faith he stepped into the field again and eventually wrote an inspiring account of Christ’s work. (See Ibid., 170.)

When the faithful in Corinth were experiencing discouragement, Paul wrote to them to remind them of the experiences of the children of Israel. Because of their sin and rebellion, the judgments of God had come upon them. The apostle instructed the Corinthian believers to heed the lesson contained in Israel’s experiences. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” I Corinthians 10:6.

Paul showed how love of ease and pleasure had prepared the way for sins that had brought the vengeance of God upon the Israelites.

Yet Paul would not have them yield to despondency or discouragement. He gave them the assurance: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I Corinthians 10:13.

Well, how is it with us today? Do we sometimes allow ourselves to be led into discouragement and despair by failing to grasp the sure promises of God? It is only by faith that we can grasp those promises, and it is only by faith that we can meet the condition on which those promises are given: obedience. When we turn from the path of righteousness and for one reason or another disobey the counsels, precepts, and commandments in God’s word, He must then breach His promises. (See Numbers 14:34.) And it is then, overcome with discouragement and depression, that we are most susceptible to falling under Satan’s shadow.

In The Acts of the Apostles, 363, we read the following:

“Satan’s craft is most successfully used against those who are depressed. When discouragement threatens to overwhelm … spread out before God [your] necessities. It was when the heavens were as brass over Paul that he trusted most fully in God. More than most men, he knew the meaning of affliction; but listen to his triumphant cry as, beset by temptation and conflict, his feet press heavenward: ‘Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.’ II Corinthians 4:17, 18. Paul’s eyes were ever fastened on the unseen and eternal. Realizing that he was fighting against supernatural powers, he placed this dependence on God, and in this lay his strength. It is by seeing Him who is invisible that strength and vigor of soul are gained and the power of earth over mind and character is broken.”

“Into the experience of all there come times of keen disappointment and utter discouragement––days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earthborn children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life. It is then that many lose their hold on God. … Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of God’s providences we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more firm than the everlasting hills, and new faith, new life, would spring into being. …

“For the disheartened there is a sure remedy––faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. … In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. … And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. …

“Did God forsake Elijah in his hour of trial? Oh, no! He loved His servant no less when Elijah felt himself forsaken of God and man than when, in answer to his prayer, fire flashed from heaven and illuminated the mountaintop.” Conflict and Courage, 213.

There is no spiritual strength for us in constantly brooding over our weaknesses and backslidings and bemoaning the power of Satan. The great truth of the worth of the offering made for us must be established as a living principle in our minds and hearts—that God can and does save to the uttermost all who come unto Him, complying with the conditions specified in His word.

I would like to suggest that that is the great failing of a great number of churches today. Little if any emphasis is placed on complying with the conditions specified in God’s word. We must confess our sins to Jesus as He pleads our cause in the Most Holy Place. That confession must be accompanied by repentance––turning from our sins and following the Lamb.

“Our work is to place our will on the side of God’s will. Then, through the blood of the atonement, we become partakers of the divine nature; through Christ we are children of God, and we have the assurance that God loves us even as He loved His Son. We are one with Jesus. We walk where Christ leads the way; He has power to dispel the dark shadows which Satan casts across our path; and, in place of darkness and discouragement, the sunlight of His glory shines into our hearts.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 741.

“Then let us not gather together all the unpleasant pictures—the iniquities and corruptions and disappointments, the evidences of Satan’s power—to hang in the halls of our memory, to talk over and mourn over until our souls are filled with discouragement. A discouraged soul is a body of darkness, not only failing himself to receive the light of God, but shutting it away from others. Satan loves to see the effect of the pictures of his triumphs, making human beings faithless and disheartened.” Ibid., 744, 745.

It is by beholding that we become changed (II Corinthians 3:18). By dwelling upon the love of God and our Saviour, by contemplating the perfection of the divine character and claiming the righteousness of Christ as ours by faith, we can be transformed into the same image and dispel the doubt and discouragement that Satan so ruthlessly longs to cast over us.

John Pearson is currently the office manager and a board member of Steps to Life. After retiring as chief financial officer for the Grand Canyon Association, he moved to Wichita to join the Steps to Life team and may be contacted by email at: johnpearson@stepstolife.org.

Bible Study Guides – The Prayers of the Righteous

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November 17, 2012 – November 23, 2012

Key Text

“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.” James 5:10.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 3, 273–288; The Sanctified Life, 42–52.

Introduction

“The sincerity of our prayers can be proved only by the vigor of our endeavor to obey God’s commandments.” Counsels on Health, 504.

1 EXAMPLES FOR US

  • What can we learn from the prayers of godly men? Nehemiah 1:4–11; Daniel 9:3–5.

Note: “Nehemiah humbled himself before God, giving Him the glory due unto His name. Thus also did Daniel in Babylon. Let us study the prayers of these men. They teach us that we are to humble ourselves, but that we are never to obliterate the line of demarcation between God’s commandment-keeping people and those who have no respect for His law.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1136.

  • How did God open the way for Nehemiah’s work? Nehemiah 2:1–6.

Note: “He [Nehemiah] had a sacred trust to fulfill, in which he required help from the king; and he realized that much depended upon his presenting the matter in such a way as to win his approval and enlist his aid. ‘I prayed,’ he said, ‘to the God of heaven’ [Nehemiah 2:4]. In that brief prayer Nehemiah pressed into the presence of the King of kings and won to his side a power that can turn hearts as the rivers of waters are turned.” Prophets and Kings, 631.

“Nehemiah did not regard his duty as done when he had mourned and wept and prayed before the Lord. He did not only pray. He worked, mingling petition and endeavor.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 346.

2 ELIJAH

  • Why did Elijah’s prayer so effectively alter the course of nature? James 5:17.

Note: “Viewing this [Israel’s] apostasy from his mountain retreat, Elijah was overwhelmed with sorrow. In anguish of soul he besought God to arrest the once-favored people in their wicked course, to visit them with judgments, if need be, that they might be led to see in its true light their departure from Heaven. He longed to see them brought to repentance before they should go to such lengths in evil-doing as to provoke the Lord to destroy them utterly.

“Elijah’s prayer was answered. Oft-repeated appeals, remonstrances, and warnings had failed to bring Israel to repentance. The time had come when God must speak to them by means of judgments. Inasmuch as the worshipers of Baal claimed that the treasures of heaven, the dew and the rain, came not from Jehovah, but from the ruling forces of nature, and that it was through the creative energy of the sun that the earth was enriched and made to bring forth abundantly, the curse of God was to rest heavily upon the polluted land. The apostate tribes of Israel were to be shown the folly of trusting to the power of Baal for temporal blessings. Until they should turn to God with repentance, and acknowledge Him as the source of all blessing, there should fall upon the land neither dew nor rain.” Prophets and Kings, 120.

  • Relate Elijah’s experience at Mount Carmel. I Kings 18:17–45; James 5:18.

Note: “He [Elijah] reminds the people of their degeneracy, which has awakened the wrath of God against them, and then calls upon them to humble their hearts and turn to the God of their fathers, that His curse may be removed from them. …

“He then reverentially bows before the unseen God, raises his hands toward heaven, and offers a calm and simple prayer, unattended with violent gestures or contortions of the body. No shrieks resound over Carmel’s height. A solemn silence, which is oppressive to the priests of Baal, rests upon all. In his prayer, Elijah makes use of no extravagant expressions. He prays to Jehovah as though He were nigh, witnessing the whole scene, and hearing his sincere, fervent, yet simple prayer. Baal’s priests have screamed, and foamed, and leaped, and prayed, very long—from morning until near evening. Elijah’s prayer is very short, earnest, reverential, and sincere.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 284, 285.

3 GOD’S WISDOM IN ANSWERING

  • Why didn’t the rain come immediately after Elijah’s first prayer? Psalm 26:2.

Note: “Important lessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah. When upon Mount Carmel he offered the prayer for rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered in making known his request unto God. Six times he prayed earnestly, and yet there was no sign that his petition was granted, but with strong faith he urged his plea to the throne of grace. Had he given up in discouragement at the sixth time, his prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered till the answer came. We have a God whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and if we prove His word, He will honor our faith. He wants us to have all our interests interwoven with His interests, and then He can safely bless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when the blessing is ours, but shall render all the praise to God. God does not always answer our prayers the first time we call upon Him; for should He do this, we might take it for granted that we had a right to all the blessings and favors He bestowed upon us. Instead of searching our hearts to see if any evil was entertained by us, any sin indulged, we should become careless, and fail to realize our dependence upon Him, and our need of His help.” The Review and Herald, June 9, 1891.

  • What were Isaiah’s concerns when he was called by God, and how was he strengthened by communion with the Almighty? Isaiah 6:5-7.

Note: “The prophet [Isaiah] was nerved for the work before him. The memory of this vision was carried with him throughout his long and arduous mission.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 751.

  • During the time Jonah was neglecting his duty to God, what serious warning must we heed from his experience? Jonah 1:1–12.

Note: “The prayers of the man [Jonah] who had turned aside from the path of duty brought no help.” Prophets and Kings, 267.

  • What does Jonah’s history also teach of God’s delight in the prayers of the penitent? Jonah 2:1–10; 3:4–10.

4 DANIEL

  • How important was prayer to the prophet Daniel? Daniel 6:4–10.

Note: “The decree goes forth from the king. Daniel is aware of all that has been done. … But he does not change his course in a single particular.” The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881.

“Have a set time, a special season for prayer at least three times a day. Morning, noon, and at night Daniel prayed to his God, notwithstanding the king’s decree, and the fearful den of lions. He was not ashamed or afraid to pray, but with his windows opened he prayed three times a day.” The Youth’s Instructor, October 1, 1855.

  • What can we learn from Daniel’s prayer for apostate Israel? Daniel 9:4–19.

Note: “The man of God was praying, not for a flight of happy feeling, but for a knowledge of the divine will. And he desired this knowledge, not merely for himself, but for his people. His great burden was for Israel, who were not, in the strictest sense, keeping the law of God. He acknowledges that all their misfortunes have come upon them in consequence of their transgressions of that holy law. … They had lost their peculiar, holy character as God’s chosen people. [Daniel 9:17 quoted.] Daniel’s heart turns with intense longing to the desolate sanctuary of God. He knows that its prosperity can be restored only as Israel shall repent of their transgressions of God’s law, and become humble, and faithful, and obedient.” The Review and Herald, February 8, 1881.

“Daniel’s heart was burdened for the people of God, for the city and temple that were laid waste. His deepest interest was for the honor of God and the prosperity of Israel. It was this that moved him to seek God with prayer and fasting and deep humiliation. Brethren in responsible positions in the Lord’s work for this time, have not we as great need to call upon God as had Daniel? I address those who believe that we are living in the very last period of this earth’s history. I entreat you to take upon your own souls a burden for our churches, our schools, and our institutions. That God who heard Daniel’s prayer will hear ours when we come to Him in contrition. Our necessities are as urgent, our difficulties are as great, and we need to have the same intensity of purpose, and in faith roll our burden upon the great Burden-bearer. There is need for hearts to be as deeply moved in our time as in the time when Daniel prayed.” Ibid., February 9, 1897.

5 IN THE LAODICEAN ERA

  • What should characterize our prayers today, and why? II Corinthians 6:2.

Note: “In the early stages of this work, there were but few friends of the cause. These servants of God wept and prayed for a clear understanding of the truth. They suffered privations and much self-denial, in order to spread a knowledge of it; and although as the result of much labor but few received the precious message, yet step by step they followed as God’s opening providence led the way. They did not study their own convenience or shrink at hardships. God, through these men, prepared the way, and the truth has been made very plain; yet some who have since embraced the truth have failed to take upon themselves the burden of the work.” The Review and Herald, February 12, 1880.

“God has loaded us with His benefits. Immortal blessings have been poured upon us in great measure. Messengers have been sent with warnings, reproofs, and entreaties. God’s servants have wept and prayed over the lukewarm state of the church. Some may arouse, but only to fall back into unconsciousness of their sin and peril. Passion, worldliness, malice, envy, pride, strife for supremacy, make our churches weak and powerless. … It is still thy day, O church of God, whom He has made the depositary of His law. But this day of trust and probation is fast drawing to a close. The sun is fast westering. … It is time to seek God earnestly, saying with Jacob, ‘I will not let thee go except thou bless me’ [Genesis 32:26]. It will be of no avail to make a spasmodic effort, only to fall back into spiritual lethargy and lukewarmness. The past, with the slighted mercies, the admonitions unheeded, the earthly passions uncorrected, the privileges unimproved, the soul temple filled with desecrated shrines—all is recorded in the books of heaven. But most solemn moments are still before you. Because of past neglect, the efforts you make must be the more earnest.” The Review and Herald, November 2, 1886.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 How did Nehemiah win the favor of the king?

2 What should we learn from the prayers of the men discussed in this lesson?

3 Why was there a delay before the answer came?

4 Why did Daniel include himself in prayer for Israel?

5 What may be hindering our prayers from being heard?

© 2003 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Children’s Story – A Boy who Lived Again

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Elisha went about through all the land, teaching the people, but especially teaching the students in the schools of the prophets. There were many now who turned to the Lord, and Elisha was greatly encouraged. He journeyed here and he journeyed there, and everywhere he came to be known as a great prophet.

Elijah had fought against the evil worship of Baal, brought in by Jezebel, when it threatened to overwhelm all the worship of Jehovah; and the road that Elijah trod was a hard road. But now the worship of Baal was lessening, though many followed after the gods that Jeroboam had set up. So the way of Elisha was easier, but not easy. He was highly honored in Israel, both by the king and by the people.

One of the places that he used to stop as he went on his journeys was in the city of Shunem at the house of a good and great woman. After several visits, the woman said to her husband, “I see this is a holy man who stops and eats with us sometimes. Let us build a room for him on the side of the house, and put in it a bed and a table and a stool and a lamp, and let it be for the man of God only, when he comes.”

Her husband said, “All right; let’s do.” So they built the room and furnished it. When Elisha came, she took him up and showed him the room, with all its good furniture and he was glad. So he asked her what she wanted, but she said, “Nothing!” However, when she was gone, he asked his servant, Gehazi, what he might do for the good woman. And Gehazi said, “I’ll tell you, master. She has no child of her own, and she does so much wish for a son.”

Then Elisha called her back and said, “Listen! Next year about this time you shall have a baby boy born to you.”

She was so thrilled she could hardly believe it. And she said, “O my lord, don’t tell me any lies.”

“No, indeed!” said Elisha. “Truly, you shall have a son.”

And so it came to pass. For the next year there was born to her a baby boy. How she loved him! He grew to be quite a lad. When he was perhaps five years old, one day he followed his father out to the wheat field. The sun was hot, and it beat down on the little boy’s head and made it ache. He went to his father and said, “My head! My head!”

His father said to a big boy, “Take the little chap up and carry him to his mother.” So the big boy carried the little boy to his mother. She took him in her arms and sat down with him and rocked him. But he grew sicker and sicker, until at noon he died.

She took him up in her arms and laid him on the prophet’s bed and shut the door. Then she called to her husband and said, “Have the ass saddled for me. I want to go to the prophet.”

“Why do you want to go to the prophet?” he asked. “This isn’t new moon or Sabbath.”

She didn’t tell him the little boy was dead. She just said, “It’s for the best.” So he had the ass saddled.

And she said to her servant, “Go behind and drive fast and faster.” And she rode to Mount Carmel, where the prophet Elisha was. He saw her coming, and he said to his servant, “Here comes this Shunammite woman. What can be the matter?”

When she came up to him, she fell down at his feet, and she cried, “Did I ask for a son? Did I not say, ‘Tell me no lies’?”

Then he knew her little boy was dead. And he said to Gehazi, “Take my staff, and go ahead and lay it on the face of the child.” So his servant took his master’s staff and went ahead. But the mother said to Elisha, “I’ll not go unless you go with me.” He arose then and went with her. On the way they met Gehazi, and he said, “I laid the staff on the face of the lad, but he is not awaked.” So they went on till they came to the house.

Elisha went up to the room alone, and opened the door. There lay the little dead boy. Elisha looked at him; then he walked up and down in the room and prayed to God. Then he went and laid himself on the little boy. He put his mouth on his mouth, and his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands; and the little boy’s flesh grew warm. Again Elisha walked up and down and prayed to God. And again he went and laid himself on the little boy, eyes to his eyes, mouth to his mouth, hands to his hands. And the child sneezed seven times, and he opened his eyes, and he was alive!

Elisha summoned his servant, and said, “Call this Shunammite.” And when she came, he said to her, “Take up your son.”

She looked over to the bed where she had laid her little dead son. But now his eyes were open! He smiled at her and stretched out his hands to her. She fell at the prophet’s feet and thanked him. Then she took up her little boy and carried him out, more thankful for him now than when first as a little babe he had been laid in her arms. (You can read this story in the Bible in II Kings 4:8–37.)

Arthur Whitefield Spalding, Golden Treasury of Bible Stories, Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tennessee, 1954.

Q&A- For which three women did Elijah or Elisha perform a miracle and where in the Bible can I find these stories?

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Question

I am confused! For which three women did Elijah or Elisha perform a miracle and where in the Bible can I find these stories?

Answer

There were three women, two widows and a great woman who was not a widow, about which the Bible tells us. They are as follows:

Elijah and The Widow of Zarephath

(I Kings 17:9–24)

The Lord told Elijah to go to Zarephath where he would there find a widow woman who would sustain him. When he arrived at the gate of the city, a woman was there gathering sticks. “He called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand” (verses 10, 11). The widow tells him how poor she and her son are, with just a little oil and a little meal left for one last cake (verse 12). She generously gave what she had to the prophet, and God blessed her by performing a miracle. Each day the woman had just a little oil and a little meal to provide for her and her son and Elijah, until the drought broke (verses 13–15).

Elisha and The Widow with Two Sons

(II Kings 4:1–7)

The woman’s husband was dead, and she found out she had no means to pay her debt. Desperate to know what to do, for the creditor had come to take the widow’s two sons in lieu of payment, she reached out to Elisha, the prophet. The only commodity she had in her house was a pot of oil. Elisha told her to go and borrow as many empty vessels as she could from all of her neighbors. When she got home with them, she was to go in and shut the door behind her and her sons and start pouring the oil she had into the vessels, setting them aside as they filled. To her amazement all the vessels were filled, and when she asked for more vessels, her sons told her there were no more. The oil stopped pouring as soon as the last jar was full. When she told Elisha what had happened, he told her to go sell the oil, pay off her debt, and use the remaining oil for her family.

Elisha and The Great Woman of Shunem

(II Kings 4:8–37)

The woman of Shunem whom the Bible describes as great or notable (possibly for her generosity), was not a widow, but she was childless. Because of her kindness to Elisha, he prayed to the Lord that she may have a child. She did conceive, and the following year she bore a son. Later, the child died, so she ran to Elisha for help. God worked a miracle through Elisha, and the child was restored to his mother.

You are the Troubler of Israel

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Jesus was speaking to His disciples. They wanted to know when He would come again, and He told them that first there would be a time of great tribulation. It is most commonly referred to as the 1260 day period of tribulation. It is mentioned over and over again in the prophecies. See Revelation 11:3, Revelation 12:6, Revelation 13:5, and Daniel 7:25. Now this 1260 day/year prophecy happened during the new covenant—after the cross. For everything in the new covenant, there is a type in the old covenant, and there was a type for this. The old covenant type was during the time of Jezebel, Ahab and Elijah. We will study this time period.

The time period in the old covenant was 1260 days, just like in the new covenant. It is so important that it is mentioned twice in the New Testament. “I tell you truly many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah when the heavens were shut up three years and six months.” Luke 4:25. “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.” James 5:17. This gives the exact time—1260 days. During this time, there was a great famine throughout all the land, because there was no rain. Rain is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. No matter how well things may be going, if the Holy Spirit withdraws because of sin, there is a spiritual famine.

Before we study the time of Elijah, and how it relates to our day; notice this description of God’s professed people—His church, during the 1260 year period of tribulation in the new covenant. “These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet like fine brass: I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps my works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels.’ ” Revelation 2:18–27.

This is the period of great tribulation, the 1260 years during the dark ages. What was the problem? “Jezebel” was the head of the church. Now let us look back to Elijah’s time. Who was the king? Ahab was the king, but who was in control of Ahab? Was the Holy Spirit in control of Ahab? No, Jezebel was in control of Ahab. Consequently, the professed church (Jezebel) was in control of the state (Ahab.) Jezebel was the leader of their church organization and she had ultimate control over the state and it produced a period of great tribulation for God’s people. What happened to anybody if they would not go along with the program of the church organization? Well, they got destroyed.

During this three years and six months, a man named Obadiah was able to save a hundred prophets, by putting fifty each, in a couple of caves and giving them bread and water. But it was a time of great tribulation and many of God’s true people were killed. A proper understanding of this story answers many questions and accusations that people are using today against God’s messengers. We will go over some points used against rebuke of sin, and let the experience of Elijah give us the answer.

What Would Elijah Say?

1. Did God by divine arrangement, denominate the children of Israel as His special denominated people?

Answer: Yes, He did.

2. Were they called by a divinely appointed name and were they God’s chosen people?

Answer: Yes, they were.

3. Was their church organization organized by divine appointment and therefore, was it God’s chosen and organized church? History gives the answer.

Answer: Yes, it was. However, when the leadership decided to try to fight and destroy God’s people, and to go contrary to the historic truths of the organization, you cannot say anymore that the leadership had divinely constituted authority. They were no longer to be followed. In fact, if you followed the authority of the “church leadership” you were separated from God.

4. Would you say that the authority of the leaders was duly authorized or constituted church authority?

Answer: No. Elijah did not say that. In Elijah’s day, Jezebel was the ultimate leader. She had a big organization; over eight-hundred associates that were leading out with her. But, Jezebel exercised an usurped authority.

5. Is it not wrong to have a school or church not under the authority of the system that originally had been set up by God himself?

Answer: Elijah would say just the opposite. If the church structure asks you to do something contrary to the word of God, it is wrong for you to allow yourself to be under their authority. At Steps to Life we tried to work with church organization, but we came in to existence as a separate independent ministry because we were asked to do something that was contrary to our conscience. That is how it was for Elijah’s ministry, and those little home churches, out in the desert that were faithful, had to flee for their lives. The ones that had not gotten killed were, no doubt, called all kinds of names because they were not going along with the program.

An Organization or a People

6. If you had a home church somewhere in Israel, that was not recognized, could that be part of the church, or would it of necessity be an offshoot?

Answer: If you were following the principles that Moses had given to the children of Israel, you could not be an offshoot, you were part of the original historic movement that God had set up.

7. Would you have to be part of the organization to be part of the chosen people? Someone might say, “Elijah is not even part of the church organization and these other people in the caves aren’t either. They are offshoots.”

Answer: No! You would not have to be part of the organization to be part of the chosen people. In fact, those that were part of the organization would eventually have to repent or reform; otherwise, they would cease to be God’s chosen people. The home churches, in the caves, that were not recognized, were the real people of God. Those were the seven-thousand that had not bowed the knee to Baal.

8. Elijah, you say things contrary to the organization, it is being critical and divisive or faultfinding—and that is wrong.

Answer: He would say, “If you say nothing there will never be a revival and a reformation.” Elijah said to Ahab, “I am not the one causing the trouble, you are the one causing the trouble because you are not obedient to the commandments of the Lord.” See I Kings 18:18. It is not the people that point out sin that are critical and divisive. It is the people that refuse to obey that are divisive.

9. You are a separationist because you have separated from the church organization.

Answer: Elijah would say, “You that stay with the organization are the separationists because you separated from obedience to the law of God.” The real separationists are people that are not obedient to the word of God and the Spirit of Prophecy. The people that stay with the message that God has given to His people, they are the true church.

Loyal to Whom?

10. Elijah, you are just not loyal to God’s people, to God’s movement, to His church. You have to be loyal, you can’t just split off like this and do God’s work all by yourself. God wants loyalty.

Answer: Elijah would say, “The people that have stayed loyal to the commandments of God, those are the people that are loyal, and I am loyal to the commandments of God. What are you doing?—worshipping idols, bowing down and breaking the second commandment—you are the one that is not loyal.” Loyalty is determined by whether we are obedient to the law of God or not, not whether we are obedient to an organization. Ahab said, “You are the problem.” Elijah said, “I am not the problem. You are the problem. Because you are breaking the commandments of God.” See 1 Kings 18:18. The people that are not loyal are ones that are disobedient to the commandments and the Spirit of Prophecy.

11. But Elijah, you have a church that is not recognized by the church organization and therefore you are making a new movement, a new church, a new organization.

Answer:“I am not making a new movement, I am faithful to the original movement that God established. You are the ones that made the new movement. I’m not, I’m faithful to the law of Moses. How did you get so mixed up? Everything you say that I am doing is what you are doing. I am just staying with the original movement. I am an historic Israelite, I am staying with the law of Moses. I am not going to worship Baal.”

12. Elijah you are pulling apart from God’s organization, that is not a good sign.

Answer: Elijah would say, “That is not true. The organization has pulled apart from the truth. That is what really happened. I am just staying with the original movement.”

13. Elijah, why are you turning from the church with reproach and disgust?

Answer: There is nothing the matter with being angry about sin. Sin caused Jesus to go to the cross. If you can sit by and watch people openly sin like they were doing during Elijah’s day, and it does not matter to you—there is a problem with you. What side of the great controversy are you on? Sin caused our Leader to go to the cross. To just watch is the same as saying, “Well, I guess Jesus will just have to go to the cross, it’s no concern to me.” That is what you are saying by your actions. Elijah could not do it. He came to the people that were in open sin with a stern rebuke.

Deception

14. Elijah, you are allowing Satan to deceive you because you are independent of the church organization. What would Elijah say about that?

Answer: “Well, it is just the opposite. The ones who are loyal to the church organization rather than to the Spirit of Prophecy, they are the ones who are deceived. The people that are deceived by Satan are the people that are loyal to a human organization in violation of the word of God. Numbers do not count. The offshoots can be the great majority. It is the law of God that tells you which side you are on.” The only ones in Elijah’s time that were not deceived by Satan were those that were independent of the church organization.

15. Elijah, you have separated from the organized body. What would Elijah say?

Answer: “I stayed with the original movement, but because almost the whole church was in apostasy, to be true and faithful and loyal to God, it was necessary for me to separate from the apostasy.” You see, in spiritual battles and wars, the reality of the situation can be completely opposite from the way it looks to the natural sight.

16. Elijah, you are charged with denouncing the failings of the church.

Answer: “Well, yes I have. I have denounced the apostasy, because if you don’t repent, you are going to lose your soul. You are going to lose eternal life. I have denounced the apostasy, because repentance and reformation of life is your only chance, so yes, I have done that.” That was not wrong for Elijah to denounce them. “Those whom God has chosen for an important work have ever been received with distrust and suspicion. Anciently, when Elijah was sent with a message from God to the people, they did not heed the warning. They thought him unnecessarily severe. They even thought that he must have lost his senses because he denounced them, the favored people of God, as sinners and their crimes as so aggravated that the judgments of God would awaken against them.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 261. Was he inspired with the Holy Spirit when he denounced apostasy? He was. That was the work of the Holy Spirit.

17. But, Elijah, you are dwelling on the failures and problems of God’s people. Preach love and unity, get people together, don’t dwell on the failures and the faults of God’s people.

Answer:“People want to get preached to about love and unity and they are walking straight to hellfire. That’s not love at all.” It is in the world today like it was in Elijah’s day. There are professed Seventh-day Adventists that have been told that you are just going to go on and sin until Jesus comes. Yes, it is true, people are going to go on and sin until Jesus comes and then they are going to get burned up. They do not want to hear that. Friend, unless we face our situation, we are lost.

18. Elijah, don’t worry so over the mistakes of the unconsecrated leaders, God will take care of His work.

Answer: “It is true, the Lord will take care of it all right, that is not the problem.” (Fortunately He had somebody around like Elijah that was willing to help Him.) “There is coming a day of judgment and God is going to come and people who are living in sin are going to get destroyed. The problem is, are they all going to lose their souls, or should I try to give them a warning message to give them a chance to turn around first, and be saved?” Elijah gave the message.

19. Oh, but Elijah, God is going to remedy the leader’s mistakes and guide His church into port. God is faithful that has promised.

Answer: Yes, it is true, God will surely remedy their mistakes, and if there is no repentance and reformation, He will destroy every single person and church organization that remains in sin. But He is trying to give people an opportunity to repent and reform so that the remedy does not involve their destruction. The ship that finally comes into port will be the ship that contains the true and faithful, and there will not be any sin on board.

Spiritual Warfare

20. Elijah, we have been told by Jezebel and the priests of Baal that you are dividing and fragmenting the church. And we just cannot cooperate with anybody that engages in anything so divisive and schismatic as this.

Answer: “We are in a spiritual war and it is time for you to stand up and be counted. Whose side are you on? Are you going to follow and obey the God of Israel and obey the Spirit of Prophecy? If not, you are the one that is dividing and fragmenting God’s people.” Jesus said, “He that confesses me before men, him will I confess before my Father and he that denies me before men, him will I deny before my Father.” Matthew 10:32,33. Are you so scared that everybody else might not stand with you that you are afraid to stand up and be counted? If everyone of God’s people would have stood up and been counted in Jezebel’s day, she could not have wreacked such havoc on God’s church.

21. Elijah, you are just an individual. You are alone and your individual judgment should submit to the authority of the church organization.

Answer: Elijah would have said, “My individual judgment submits to the authority of the word of God and you are in violation of the word of God. You are the one who needs to submit. I am already submitted to the word of God.” That is the Protestant position—that the authority of the church is underneath the authority of God’s word.

22. Elijah, don’t accuse and condemn and contend for your rights. Don’t try to have a home church. There is nothing worth contending for except the glory of God. Don’t do all that. What would Elijah say?

Answer: “There is a great spiritual war going on and I am on God’s side of the battle. What side of the battle are you on? Can you prove what side you are on?”

A Matter of Obedience

23. Elijah, you think that you are led directly by God, but He works through the leaders in the church.

Answer: Elijah would say, “Yes, it is true, when God says something, I obey. When God gives a commandment through His word, I obey. And that is how you can tell which side I’m on, and that is how you can tell which side you are on.” Someday the Lord is going to ask the disobedient a question. “Why did you disobey My law?” They will say, “Well, my church told me to.” How sick, how nauseating that is going to sound. Do not forget friends, Elijah is up there right now. God approved of what he did.

24. But Elijah, you must not be independent. God does not work that way. God works through church organization.

Answer: Who does God work through? “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” Acts 10:34, 35. God works with the person or people that fears Him enough to obey Him.

25. But you should not organize churches, or ordain ministers, or baptize people, without authorization of the church organization. You do not have a ministerial credentials card. Where does your authorization come from? Do you know what Elijah would have said?

Answer: “If God told you to do it in His word, the thing to do is to do it. If it is in the Bible, you are authorized.” It looked to Elijah that he was the only one left. It might look that way to you sometime. You may be accused of being unauthorized. Apparently, everybody else is on the opposing side. But, it does not matter if you are following the Word of the living God.

26. Elijah, there is no such thing as an individual like yourself, or these small groups in the caves, advocating something irrespective of the judgment of the church organization. God just doesn’t work that way.

Answer: But the trouble was that God was working that way. The issue in Elijah’s time was, were you going to be obedient to the word of God, or were you going to be obedient to the church organization. Every question you can ask about authorization, who can do what and who cannot do what, who is God working with, and all these questions, comes down to one basic question. Where is the authority coming from?

What is Destined to Triumph?

27. But Elijah, we are God’s chosen people. There will be no other church according to prophecy until the Messiah comes. And so we are destined to triumph. What would Elijah have said?

Answer: “Yes, you are God’s chosen people all right, but you can be divorced from being God’s chosen people.” The great majority of those people were divorced from the Lord hundreds of years before the Messiah came. “Yes,” Elijah would say, “there will be no other church according to prophecy, but the question is, who is the church?” The church were those little independent home churches in the caves, in the deserts, and in the mountains, that were fleeing for their lives. It is true, there was not going to be any other church. Who is the church? Who and what is destined to triumph? People love to say, just like they loved to say in Elijah’s day, “We are God’s chosen people and we are destined to triumph, we cannot be destroyed.” The truth is going to triumph. The three angels’ messages are going to triumph. The only question is, when it triumphs, am I going to be with it? If I am disobedient and disloyal to God by disobeying His word, I will not triumph with it. There will be people that will come right up to the end and call themselves Seventh-day Adventists that will be lost. You see, in Elijah’s time there were a lot of people that said “we are Israel,” but they still got destroyed. It is not your name that counts, it is whether you are obedient to the word of God and to His law. There are going to be a lot of people at the end of the world, they will have the right name, the right profession, maybe even the right theology; but their character is not in harmony with what they profess. How is it for you? Can you see through the mirage to spiritual reality and are you obedient to God’s word and His law? Oh, I hope that it may be that way for each one of you, because friends, very soon what happened in Elijah’s time is going to happen again. The worship of Baal is going on today. It is going to get destroyed at the end just like it did in Elijah’s day. We have to be with the people that obey God and keep His commandments, no matter what happens. If we do that, very soon when the truth triumphs, we will triumph with it.

The End

Elijah’s Secret

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Elijah may have lived a simple lifestyle, but he made such a tremendous impression, that he is mentioned in four Old Testament books and six New Testament books. When Jesus was here on earth, the Jews had Elijah on their minds, because they knew that the last two verses of the Old Testament say: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4: 5, 6. The work of Elijah is to turn the hearts of the children to their parents, the disobedient to the just and to prepare a people for the Lord.

In Luke 9:51–56, we read that when Jesus and the disciples were traveling, they stopped in a Samaritan village, and the Samaritans rejected Jesus because His face was headed toward Jerusalem. This upset the disciples. They said to Jesus, “What shall we do? Shall we call down fire like Elijah did?” Elijah called fire down from heaven more than once. Which time were they talking about?—not about Mount Carmel. They were talking about something that actually happened in a village in Samaria.

When Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, had been king for about a year, he fell through the lattice on the porch and hurt himself. As he lay in bed, he wondered if he was ever going to get up. So he asked his servants to go to Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, to ask if he would ever get up. God told Elijah, to go to these people on their way to Baalzebub, and talk to them. Elijah met them and said, “Isn’t there a God in Israel? Why would you go to Baalzebub to ask questions?” He said, “I can tell you that the king is not going to get out of bed.” They went back and reported this to the king. The king called in one of the captains of fifty men, and said, “You go get Elijah and bring him here, I want to talk to him.” So the captain went.

Elijah had gone to the top of a hill, and the captain went to Elijah and said, “The king wants to talk to you. You come with me, we are going to go talk to the king.” Elijah looked at him and said, “If I’m a man of God, fire will come down and consume you.” And it did—the captain and all fifty of his men were consumed. When Ahaziah learned this, he sent another captain. The same thing happened again. So Ahaziah got a third captain and sent him, but this time, the captain came to Elijah, got on his knees and said, “Please find my life precious in your sight and the life of my men.” And the angel told Elijah that it was safe, he could go with these men and see Ahaziah. So he went to see Ahaziah and he said to him, “You’re not ever going to get out of bed.” And Ahaziah never did.

Now the important point is: who was it that destroyed those two captains and the hundred men? It was God. The men had been given many opportunities to return to God. Apparently the God who knows everything, knew that the first two captains and their men had wicked hearts, but the last one was repentant. Jesus said, “I came to save and not destroy.”

We need to take a few moments now to consider the rending of the kingdom and the sudsequent reign of Jereboam. This terrible rebellion led to the necessity of Elijah’s mission.

A Kingdom Divided

Remember first the kingdom had been given to Saul, and because of disobedience, it was given to David. David was promised that his house would last forever. The promise to Solomon was: “He shall build a house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.” 1 Chronicles 22:10. But promises are conditional upon obedience, and Solomon was not obedient. There are churches today who think the same way—that they have unconditional promises.

Jeroboam was a man of valor. He was a building superintendent for Solomon’s building projects. Jeroboam was also a good leader—apparently a man of God. One day Ahijah, a prophet, came to Jeroboam and took him out in the field. He took his garment, tore it in twelve pieces and handed ten of them to Jeroboam. He said, “Here take these. The kingdom is going to be rent and you’re going to be the ruler over ten of the kingdoms.” Then God promised Jeroboam, “I will be with you and I will build for you an enduring house, as I have built for David, and I will give Israel to you.” Jeroboam had been promised an enduring house. But how long did that last?

When Solomon heard about God’s promise to Jeroboam, he decided to kill Jeroboam, so Jeroboam had to flee to Egypt. After Solomon died, Rehoboam was established on the throne. Jeroboam came back, and got together with the leaders of Israel to talk to Rehoboam. The leaders asked Rehoboam if he was going to tax as heavily as his father, Solomon. Rehoboam said he would tax heavier then Solomon. He sent the head tax man out to start collecting taxes. The tax man was stoned. That got Rehoboam’s attention.

Rehoboam went running back to Jerusalem. He gathered up an army, to go take the ten tribes back from Jeroboam, but God sent a messenger and said, “Don’t do it. I’m the one that’s in charge of this. You just stay where you are.” So Rehoboam didn’t go after Jeroboam.

An Enduring House?

Jeroboam had been promised an enduring house. After He was anointed king over the ten tribes, he started thinking: “If my subjects here go down to Jerusalem to worship; their hearts might be turned back to the king there, and I’ll lose my subjects, so I have to protect myself.” He went and built two places of worship, one in Bethel and one in Dan. He built two idols—calves. Then he called the Levites and said, “I want you to administer the services here.” But they said, “No way, we’re not doing it!” (I am thankful for pastors who stand up against celebration worship.) They said, “We’re not getting involved in this.” So Jeroboam went and got common people and made them priests, and then he started this worship—idol worship.

God’s promise to Jeroboam could not be fulfilled either. Israel went for about two-hundred years after that, but then the ten tribes disappeared. Abijah, a prophet of God said that Israel was to be shaken like a reed and to be uprooted.

After several kings, Ahab became king. This is the setting where Elijah comes on the scene. I don’t know if Elijah knew that Abijah said that Israel was to be uprooted. I suspect he did, and yet, he made a tremendous demonstration for God to those people. Why did he do it? How did he do it? We are told, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain: and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:17, 18. How did he do it? He prayed. Who was Elijah? The verse says, he was a man like you and me and had a nature like ours.

Why did he do it? James says, “brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back; let him know, that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19, 20. He loved the people. He wanted to turn their hearts back to God. What kind of man was Elijah? He was very simple. He lived in the mountains of Gilead, east of Jordan. He did not live by any city of renown. He had no special position. His life was devoted to the reform of God’s people.

Elijah Praying for Judgments

He could look down from his mountain retreat, and see that unbelief was separating Israel from their source of strength. He prayed that these people would turn from their wicked ways. And he prayed for judgment. Now why would anyone who loves someone else pray for judgment? Once God told Solomon, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people; 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 heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13, 14. Elijah must have been claiming that promise. Elijah probably knew what Jeroboam had been told—that the kingdom would be uprooted, because of disobedience. He knew God does not change, but He also knew that God is merciful and wants to save.

Elijah prayed for judgments. Elijah’s prayers of love were answered by a God of love. Judgments came. “Say to them, as I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn, turn from your evil ways; for why should you die, O house of Israel.” Ezekiel 33:11.

Elijah was told by God to go down and see Ahab. On the way he saw beautiful forests that had never had drought. Elijah was tempted to think, “Is it really going to quit raining?” But he was determined to follow God. He got to Samaria and walked right up to the palace gate, through the palace door, and right up in front of Ahab. He said, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” Then he turned around and walked out of the palace. By the time Ahab could speak he said, “Get that man!” But Elijah was gone.

Troubler of Isreal

God kept His word, and it did not rain. Jezebel said it was because Elijah was alive. He had to be killed so Baal would be appeased and he would send rain. They searched the world for Elijah, even taking oaths from the kings of the surrounding nations, that they did not know of Elijah’s whereabouts. But God protected Elijah.

Finally, God told Elijah to go see Ahab. Ahab said to Elijah, “You are the one that troubled Israel.” Elijah said, “No I didn’t, you are the one.” Elijah was blamed for the trouble. I am sure you have seen things like that, it still happens.

Mrs. White said, “It’s natural for the wrongdoer to hold the messengers of God responsible for the calamities that come as the sure result of departure from the way of righteousness. Those who place themselves in Satan’s power are unable to see the things as God sees them. When the mirror of truth is held up before them, they become indignant at the thought of receiving reproof. Blinded by sin they refuse to repent and they feel that God’s servants have turned against them and that they are worthy of the severest censure . . . Today there is need of the voice of stern rebuke, for grievous sins have separated the people from God . . . The smooth sermons so often preached make no lasting impression, the trumpet does not give a certain sound, men are not cut to the heart by the plain, sharp truths of God’s word.

“There are many professed Christians who if they should express their real feelings would say, ‘What need is there of speaking so plainly?’ They might as well ask, why did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees, ‘Oh generation of vipers. Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Why need he have provoked the anger of Herodias by telling Herod that it was unlawful to live with his brother’s wife?’ The forerunner of Christ lost his life by his plain speaking. Why could not he have moved along without incurring the displeasure of those who were living in sin?

“So men who should be standing as faithful guardians of God’s law have argued, till policy has taken the place of faithfulness, and sin is allowed to go unreproved. When will the voice of faithful rebuke be heard once more in the church?” Prophets and Kings 139-141.

After being blamed, Elijah told Ahab, “Now therefore send and gather all Israel before me on Mount Carmel, the four-hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four-hundred of the groves who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 Kings 18:19. Ahab obeyed. Elijah stood there, as one in the presence of Jehovah, and told Ahab what to do, and Ahab did it. He quickly sent messengers out to get the people to meet on the top of Mount Carmel.

The people climbed Mount Carmel. Now, it was ugly. Before, it had been one of the most beautiful places, with beautiful groves and meadows with flowers. Now, those groves were leafless, the trees had no leaves on them. It was in those groves where the worship of Baal had taken place. Now the worshipers could not hide while worshipping Baal. The people were nervous. They were afraid that something terrible was going to happen. Following the people came the priests of Baal, in all their royal pomp, with Ahab in front of them. The people were much more receptive to them than to Elijah. They were afraid of what Elijah would do next.

Choose Today

Elijah looked at the broken down altar of God, and asked the people one simple question: “How long will you falter between two opinions, if the Lord is God follow Him, but if Baal, then follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. Elijah was standing alone. Then Elijah proposed that the priests of Baal build an altar and call upon their god for fire, and he would do the same and would call upon the true God. This was too reasonable for anyone to disagree.

The Spirit of Prophecy says that during the time of no rain, the priests of Baal had been sacrificing to Baal with a zeal worthy of a greater cause. Now, on Mount Carmel, they really had zeal. They cried and cut themselves. They tried to sneak fire on to the altar, but Elijah was watching them too closely. He knew, if they succeeded, he would be torn to pieces. Finally Elijah said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 1 Kings 18:27. The priests cried louder and cut themselves, until they were even cursing Baal.

Finally, Elijah said to the people, “Come near to me.” 1 Kings 18:30. With tremendous respect, Elijah took twelve stones and rebuilt the altar to God. He placed wood on it, and had a ditch dug around it, then had twelve pitchers of water poured on it. Then he prayed, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel, and that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36, 37.

The priests were terrified, in a split second the fire came down and consumed the wood, the altar, the water and even the dust. The people all fell on their faces and cried in one voice “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” 1 Kings 18:39. What a victory! The peoples hearts had been turned back to God.

Elijah’s work was not done. He went to the brook Kishon and slew all the prophets of Baal. Then he prayed for rain, and soon the rain came. Elijah girded his loins. He took the rope of the horse in front of Ahab’s chariot, and he ran, in a storm, for seventeen miles in front of the king, and took him back safely to the palace.

Ahab went into the palace, without even inviting Elijah in, and told Jezebel what had happened—that the priests were all dead. She was very angry, so she sent a messenger to Elijah and said, “By tomorrow at this time you’re going to be dead.” Elijah took off and he ran. That was a mistake. If he would have stayed, Jezebel would have been destroyed.

He ran and fell under a broom tree and said, “Lord let me die. I’m just like my fathers.” Then he slept. Finally, an angel woke him up, prepared some food and gave him a glass of water. He ate, drank, went back to sleep, woke up again, and the angel prepared some more food. Then the angel told him to go to Mount Horeb, which was a forty day trip.

When he got to the mountain, he went into a cave, and God came to him and he said, “What are you doing here?” Elijah said, “Israel has killed the prophets of the Lord and I’m the only one left.” Then there was a tremendous windstorm and an earthquake and a fire, but God was in none of these. Then Elijah heard a still small voice. Elijah went to the end of the cave and wrapped his face in the mantel. Again God said, “What are you doing here Elijah?” Elijah said I am the only prophet of Yours left. God said, “No, you’re not the only one left, there are seven-thousand that have not bowed to Baal.”

What a story! What was his secret? “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:17, 18.

The End

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness

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“When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 136.

You will find in John chapter 1 the story of John the Baptist and an account of an incident that took place during his public ministry. John was a faithful minister in the church of God, but was not recognized as such. God raised up a voice crying in the wilderness; it was a prophetic ministry clearly outlining the Scriptures yet the ministers had no true understanding of John’s call to do a work of revival and reformation.

John 1:19 says, “And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?” They knew his family history, that John’s father was a priest after the normal order and who he was after the flesh. The question they asked was a statement of doubt. We don’t recognize you; we don’t endorse you; we don’t have any connection with you. We don’t see a legal connection with you and the church that we believe we have control over and we don’t see your messages in harmony with ours. We don’t recognize your theology. We don’t recognize your messages and your way of explaining the Scriptures. We do not recognize who you are because you are definitely not like us. So they asked, “Who are you?”

John 1:20–23 says, “And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias?” They knew that Malachi had said that Elias, or Elijah was supposed to come before Christ would come. “And he saith, I am not.” They really believed that Elijah was to come from the dead. The questioning continued, “Art thou that prophet?” (This refers to Moses, see The Desire of Ages, 135.) This was said in mocking and doubting. “Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?” Because they did not understand the simplest things, he answered their question prophetically. “He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (Isaiah).”

When John was asked who he was, he did not attempt to give a history of his birth, or his parents or his physical baptism, but simply stated that his identity and foundation of belief was the word of God. He could tell them exactly where his work was prophesied in the Scriptures and he fully understood his role as the present truth of that time. Do you understand exactly where you stand when it comes to the prophecies of the last days? Are you able, as did John, to show others where you stand because you know what God has called you to do today?

John said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.” The Scripture he quoted was Isaiah 40:3 which says, “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” The job of this voice was to prepare the way for Christ to come. It says, “… make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” So in preparing for Christ to come the way must be made straight in the desert, a highway.

There is a broad way and a narrow way. John’s mission was to direct the people to the narrow way and to prepare a people to find Christ in this way. Verse 3 continues: “… make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Verses 4 and 5: “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”

This prophecy was one most definite, “for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Through the power of God the high things would be brought down and the things that were abased, or despised would be exalted. The message would be crying out from the wilderness and doing the work in the desert.

John was literally in the desert that ran by the river Jordan. This was a very desolate place but because of the power of God it began to spring up and bud. The high things, even the scribes and the Pharisees, were abased and brought low in the messages that he spoke. Those who were despised of Israel, because of the converting power of God were brought high and exalted. The power of the message, even though the leadership did not recognize him, was a message of God and it was powerful enough to bring down the mountains.

There were many other preachers in Israel that were supposed to give the message. This included the Levites but they did not recognize the work of John or understand his role or the message he brought to the people. Before the second advent of Christ, there will be people who will stand in the power and spirit of Elijah and do a similar work.

“Crying” has a prophetic application. Isaiah 58:1 says, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression.” This is all tied in with this voice—this message was to bring Israel to repentance by revealing the transgressions of Israel, bring down the high things and exalt that which was low. In a nutshell, this was the message of John the Baptist. The Levites, scribes and Pharisees were not giving this message, neither was the general church population and God rose up another to do the work.

Christ spoke through John when he preached in the wilderness. John gave those who would not listen to the clear admonitions answers that must be understood prophetically. The Scriptures explain the meaning of the words “crying in the wilderness.” “Neither said they, Where is the Lord that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?” Jeremiah 2:6. To be in the wilderness means to be in a place where there is drought, a desert, a pit and the shadow of death. A land where no man passed through and no man dwelt. In this place John was to raise up a highway for the Lord. A highway is where many people have access. John, among all of those claiming to be waiting for God, gave his message faithfully, the way God would give it.

John was in the desert, literally and figuratively, standing in the position as a prophet and a preacher where no man dwelt. How many pass through the Scriptures in such a way as John did to give the message?

John claimed to be a “voice crying in the wilderness;” like Isaiah, he preached a message that was not popular in his day. There were many people preaching, even some associated with Isaiah, but theirs was not the same message, a voice calling for repentance. No rebuke of sin was heard in their message. They were very gentle and careful about wounding and hurting people’s feelings. Neither John nor Isaiah was unfeeling, but they would rather obey God than men. There was a definite message to be given and it could only be given from the wilderness—a place where not many men pass through.

Many who preach want their fellow associates in the ministry to believe and stand with them. John stood alone; His was a message that came directly from God. He did not preach his own ideas about what he considered truth. Today, those who give the message in a straight line, must also dwell in obscurity, in the wilderness where few preachers will stand and give the straight testimony.

There were many preachers in John’s day. Nicodemus was over many ministers but he did not understand the first thing about God, so John stood alone to give his message. He was not the first; every prophet that God sent to Israel was crying in the wilderness and out of harmony with the theology of his day. None of them were popular and were all rebuked and cast off by the church.

“Those who have been thrust out to bear a plain, pointed testimony, in the fear of God to reprove wrong, to labor with all their energies to build up God’s people, and to establish them upon important points of present truth, have too often received censure [rebuke] instead of sympathy and help, while those who, like yourself, [from a personal testimony] have taken a noncommittal position [jewelry—do not like it but don’t deal with it and say if you want to wear jewelry that is fine; dress—come as you are; music—well everybody has to be persuaded in their own minds; I just deal with Jesus. I want to be noncommittal and not take any clear position in the church. I want to stay on the fence where it is safe. What does the elder say about that? These people dwell where many men pass through] are thought to be devoted, and to have a mild spirit. God does not thus regard them. The forerunner of Christ’s first advent was a very plain-spoken man. He rebuked sin, and called things by their right names. He laid the ax at the root of the tree. He thus addressed one class of professed converts who came to be baptized of him in Jordan: ‘O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. … And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire’ (Matthew 3:7–10).” Testimonies, vol. 1, 321. Consider the next line: “In this fearful time, just before Christ is to come the second time, God’s faithful preachers will have to bear a still more pointed testimony than was borne by John the Baptist. A responsible, important work is before them; and those who speak smooth things, God will not acknowledge as His shepherds. A fearful woe is upon them.” Ibid.

A fearful woe will be upon the great majority of the clergy because they want to preach smoothly and want to be non-committal and have people see them as being mild. Here we come to the end of time where people desire smooth things and now we are to give a more pointed testimony than John the Baptist. How many do not desire to dwell in the wilderness, but want to preach in Jerusalem and in the big synagogue and go up higher? John’s message was to bring the high things low.

“In every age, God has called his servants to lift up their voices against the prevailing errors and sins of the multitude. Noah was called to stand alone to warn the antediluvian world. Moses and Aaron were alone against kings and princes, magicians and wise men, and the multitudes of Egypt. Elijah was alone when he testified against an apostate king and a backsliding people. Daniel and his fellows stood alone against the decrees of mighty monarchs. The majority are usually to be found on the side of error and falsehood. The fact that doctors of divinity have the world on their side does not prove them to be on the side of truth and of God. The wide gate and the broad road attract the multitudes, while the strait gate and the narrow way are sought only by the few.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, 214.

There are many people preaching the message but how many are preaching a message that God would recognize. I ask myself that same question—am I preaching God’s message—will God pass by me and say “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23)?

Elijah, Moses, Noah, all of these people stood alone to preach the truth. These men were voices crying in the wilderness. Many people may wish to be like Elijah and Moses but they do not want to stand alone. They would rather try to harmonize with the brethren and yield the truth instead of standing for the right. I hope you don’t know anybody like that.

There is an amazing quotation found in Prophets and Kings, 367. There was no cloudiness in Isaiah’s message; it was clear truth. It says, “Throughout his ministry Isaiah bore a plain testimony concerning God’s purpose for the heathen. Other prophets had made mention of the divine plan, but their language was not always understood. To Isaiah it was given to make very plain to Judah the truth that among the Israel of God were to be numbered many who were not descendants of Abraham after the flesh. This teaching was not in harmony with the theology of his age, (Isaiah’s message was considered error and very divisive) yet he fearlessly proclaimed the messages given him of God and brought hope to many a longing heart reaching out after the spiritual blessings promised to the seed of Abraham.”

Even today people are confused about who and what comprises the church or who are faithful and who are not.

People wonder why there are some who do not preach like the majority, to be accepted. In Christ’s Object Lessons, 78, 79, it says, “For His church in every generation God has a special truth and a special work. The truth that is hid from the worldly wise and prudent is revealed to the child-like and humble. It calls for self-sacrifice. It has battles to fight and victories to win. At the outset its advocates are few. By the great men of the world and by a world-conforming church, they are opposed and despised. See John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, standing alone to rebuke the pride and formalism of the Jewish nation. See the first bearers of the gospel into Europe. How obscure, how hopeless, seemed the mission of Paul and Silas, the two tentmakers, as they with their companions took ship at Troas for Philippi. See ‘Paul the aged,’ in chains, preaching Christ in the stronghold of the Caesars. See the little communities of slaves and peasants in conflict with the heathenism of imperial Rome. See Martin Luther withstanding that mighty church which is the masterpiece of the world’s wisdom. See him holding fast God’s word against emperor and pope, declaring, ‘Here I take my stand; I cannot do otherwise. God be my help.’ (Martin Luther was crying in the wilderness, crying all alone.) See John Wesley preaching Christ and His righteousness in the midst of formalism, sensualism, and infidelity. See one burdened with the woes of the heathen world, pleading for the privilege of carrying to them Christ’s message of love. Hear the response of ecclesiasticism: ‘Sit down, young man. When God wants to convert the heathen, He will do it without your help or mine.’

“The great leaders of religious thought in this generation sound the praises and build the monuments of those who planted the seed of truth centuries ago. Do not many turn from this work to trample down the growth springing from the same seed today? [The same truths of this generation are trying to be stomped out.] The old cry is repeated, ‘We know that God spake unto Moses; as for this fellow [Christ in the messenger He sends], we know not from whence he is’ (John 9:29). As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God.”

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the paths of the Lord. It may be more possible now that we may not even hear the message for the time. Remember that John was not only literally in the desert, but also was that great body of preachers and ministers supposedly bringing the revival message. John was someone who was seemingly standing alone in the midst of all of these methods and interpretations and even theories about revival and reformation. This work of preparation was going on all over and Jesus passed by all the Essenes, the Pharisees and schools of theology and came right to John the Baptist and suffered him to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus saw that his work would fulfill righteousness.

“I was shown that even this decided message of the True Witness had not accomplished the design of God. The people [the remnant church] slumber on in their sins. They continue to declare themselves rich and having need of nothing [even Christ and the forgiveness of sins]. Many inquire: Why are all these reproofs given? Why do the Testimonies continually charge us with backsliding and with grievous sins? [Many cannot see it—either the testimonies are wrong or they are right.] We love the truth; we are prospering; we are in no need of these testimonies of warning and reproof. But let these murmurers see their hearts and compare their lives with the practical teachings of the Bible, let them humble their souls before God, let the grace of God illuminate the darkness, and the scales will fall from their eyes, and they will realize their true spiritual poverty and wretchedness. They will feel the necessity of buying gold, which is pure faith and love; white raiment, which is a spotless character made pure in the blood of their dear Redeemer; and eyesalve, which is the grace of God and which will give clear discernment of spiritual things and detect sin. These attainments are more precious than the gold of Ophir.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 254.

Without the grace which is shown as being white raiment, eyesalve and gold, we cannot have true spiritual discernment. We will not be able to detect sin under any guise. Remember that “he [Satan] will work with ‘all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved’ (II Thessalonians 2:9, 10)” [Testimonies, vol. 2, 172, 173] and it will be near impossible to distinguish between truth and error except by the Spirit of God and the word of God.

Brothers and sisters, we need that eyesalve, that raiment, that gold tried in the fire but how many are willing to receive this message. How many are willing to stand alone and give this message and be a voice crying in the wilderness in these last days, these evil days. How many are willing to stand alone though the majority forsakes us. How many are ready to stand with Jesus.

Two thieves were crucified with Jesus, one on one side and one on the other and even though they both reviled Him, one was converted. One said to remember him when he came into His kingdom. Jesus had something to strengthen Him in his last hours. That cloud covered Jesus and He was wrapped in thick darkness while lightening crashed and thunder rolled throughout the heaven and he could not be seen and He was all alone wrestling with God. He was suffering the agony of separation from God for you and for me. Jesus knew what it meant to be alone.

In these last days, though we may be in the crowd, or in the forest, we will, in our spiritual experience, have to stand alone with God. If God would send someone to stand by your side and to preach with you, you will still have your hand firmly in His. Though we may have mother, father, brother, sister, pastor, standing with us our hands must be in Christ’s hands alone. We must all be a voice crying in the wilderness, a land where “no man passed through and where no man dwelt.” Jeremiah 2:6.

May we all see the importance of this divine truth and that we understand that the popular, the easy side, is not the side of God. “As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls.” The Great Controversy, 608.

All those who desire to be on the popular and easy side will go over there when the storm approaches. We need a fitting up, a preparation that is greater than what we now know. We need an understanding of truth greater than what we now possess so that we may stand.

[All emphasis supplied.]

John R. Cofer is currently engaged in establishing training schools under the name, The Schools of the Prophets for the youth. He and his wife, Maria, have established a digital media company to create and promote video media teaching the unique message of Adventism using social media such as Facebook and YouTube. 

Bible Study Guides – Called for Service

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October 25, 2015 – October 31, 2015

Key Text

“No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62.

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 217–228.

Introduction

“To everyone who becomes a partaker of His grace the Lord appoints a work for others.” The Ministry of Healing, 148.

1 “FAITHFUL IS HE THAT CALLETH YOU”

  • How did the divine call come to the prophets of God? I Kings 12:22; I Chronicles 17:3; Luke 3:2. Explain the difference between the true prophets and the self-appointed ones. Jeremiah 14:14, 15; 23:21, 32.
  • How did the prophetic call come to Elisha? I Kings 19:16. What attributes had he revealed before this call? Verse 19.

Note: “The prophetic call came to Elisha while, with his father’s servants, he was plowing in the field. He had taken up the work that lay nearest. He possessed both the capabilities of a leader among men and the meekness of one who is ready to serve. Of a quiet and gentle spirit, he was nevertheless energetic and steadfast. Integrity, fidelity, and the love and fear of God were his, and in the humble round of daily toil he gained strength of purpose and nobleness of character, constantly increasing in grace and knowledge. While co-operating with his father in the home-life duties, he was learning to co-operate with God.

“By faithfulness in little things, Elisha was preparing for weightier trusts. … He learned to serve; and in learning this, he learned also how to instruct and lead. The lesson is for all. None can know what may be God’s purpose in His discipline; but all may be certain that faithfulness in little things is the evidence of fitness for greater responsibilities.” Prophets and Kings, 218.

2 THE CERTAINTY OF GOD’S CALL

  • As with every servant of God, what factors did Elisha have to consider when the divine call came to him? I Kings 19:20, 21; Luke 14:28.

Note: “Elisha must count the cost—decide for himself to accept or reject the call. …

“The call to place all on the altar of service comes to each one. We are not all asked to serve as Elisha served, nor are we all bidden to sell everything we have; but God asks us to give His service the first place in our lives, to allow no day to pass without doing something to advance His work in the earth. … God accepts the offering of each. It is the consecration of the life and all its interests, that is necessary. Those who make this consecration will hear and obey the call of Heaven.” Prophets and Kings, 220, 221.

  • What was Elisha’s only request at the end of his association with Elijah? II Kings 2:9.

Note: “Elisha asked not for worldly honor, or for a high place among the great men of earth. That which he craved was a large measure of the Spirit that God had bestowed so freely upon the one about to be honored with translation. He knew that nothing but the Spirit which had rested upon Elijah could fit him to fill the place in Israel to which God had called him.” Prophets and Kings, 226, 227.

  • What can we lose by neglecting our duties, our abilities, and our opportunities? Mathew 25:28, 29, last part. What will happen, on the other hand, if we are diligent in the faithful and honest use of the “capital” we already have received from God? Verse 29, first part.

Note: “Jesus has pointed out the way of life, He has made manifest the light of truth, He has given the Holy Spirit, and endowed us richly with everything essential to our perfection.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 218.

3 ELISHA’S WILLINGNESS TO LEARN

  • What should we learn from Elisha’s willingness to perform menial duties? II Kings 3:11, last part.

Note: “It was no great work that was at first required of Elisha; commonplace duties still constituted his discipline. He is spoken of as pouring water on the hands of Elijah, his master. He was willing to do anything that the Lord directed, and at every step he learned lessons of humility and service. As the prophet’s personal attendant, he continued to prove faithful in little things, while with daily strengthening purpose he devoted himself to the mission appointed him by God.” Prophets and Kings, 222.

  • What must a servant of God demonstrate before he can be promoted to carry higher responsibilities? Luke 16:10–12.

Note: “None can know what may be God’s purpose in His discipline; but all may be certain that faithfulness in little things is the evidence of fitness for greater responsibilities. Every act of life is a revelation of character.” Prophets and Kings, 218.

  • How does the thinking and acting of many resemble the attitude of the slothful servant who had received only one talent? Matthew 25:14, 18, 24–28.

Note: “Because they are not connected with some directly religious work, many feel that their lives are useless, that they are doing nothing for the advancement of God’s kingdom. If they could do some great thing how gladly they would undertake it! But because they can serve only in little things, they think themselves justified in doing nothing. In this they err. A man may be in the active service of God while engaged in the ordinary, everyday duties—while felling trees, clearing the ground, or following the plow. The mother who trains her children for Christ is as truly working for God as is the minister in the pulpit.” Prophets and Kings, 219.

4 MINISTRY INCLUDES TRAINING YOUNG MEN

  • What is one of the most important duties of a competent and faithful minister? II Timothy 2:1, 2.

Note: “Ministry comprehends far more than preaching the word. It means training young men as Elijah trained Elisha, taking them from their ordinary duties, and giving them responsibilities to bear in God’s work—small responsibilities at first, and larger ones as they gain strength and experience. … Young, inexperienced workers should be trained by actual labor in connection with these experienced servants of God. Thus they will learn how to bear burdens.

“Those who undertake this training of young workers are doing noble service. The Lord Himself co-operates with their efforts. And the young men to whom the word of consecration has been spoken, whose privilege it is to be brought into close association with earnest, godly workers, should make the most of their opportunity. God has honored them by choosing them for His service and by placing them where they can gain greater fitness for it, and they should be humble, faithful, obedient, and willing to sacrifice. If they submit to God’s discipline, carrying out His directions and choosing His servants as their counselors, they will develop into righteous, high-principled, steadfast men, whom God can entrust with responsibilities. …

“For several years after the call of Elisha, Elijah and Elisha labored together, the younger man daily gaining greater preparedness for his work.” Prophets and Kings, 222–224.

  • What points did the apostle Paul stress in the training of Timothy? II Timothy 1:5; 3:14–17.

Note: “The piety and influence of his [Timothy’s] home life was not of a cheap order, but pure, sensible, and uncorrupted by false sentiments. The moral influence of his home was substantial, not fitful, not impulsive, not changeable. The Word of God was the rule which guided Timothy. … His home instructors cooperated with God in educating this young man to bear the burdens that were to come upon him at an early age.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 918.

5 TEACHING AND LEARNING; LEARNING AND TEACHING

  • How was Elisha’s faith tested while traveling with Elijah? II Kings 2:5, 6.

Note: “The schools of the prophets, established by Samuel, had fallen into decay during the years of Israel’s apostasy. Elijah re-established these schools, making provision for young men to gain an education that would lead them to magnify the law and make it honorable. Three of these schools, one at Gilgal, one at Bethel, and one at Jericho, are mentioned in the record. Just before Elijah was taken to heaven, he and Elisha visited these centers of training. The lessons that the prophet of God had given them on former visits, he now repeated. … He also impressed upon their minds the importance of letting simplicity mark every feature of their education. Only in this way could they receive the mold of heaven and go forth to work in the ways of the Lord. …

“As Elisha accompanied the prophet on his round of service from school to school, his faith and resolution were once more tested. … And now the tried servant of the man of God kept close beside him.” Prophets and Kings, 224, 225.

  • What lesson can we all learn from the successful collaboration of these two faithful and diligent workers of God? I Corinthians 3:8, 9.

Note: “The angels of God will be much better pleased and will be attracted to us when the servants in the field can come together, and bow down together, and pray with tears and contrition of heart; when they can talk about the work, no matter whose that work will be.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 2, 15.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What did Elisha ask Elijah immediately before his ascension?

2 Explain the peril of neglecting opportunities.

3 How much can we gain by using well what we have already?

4 What must we reveal before receiving greater responsibilities?

5 What can we learn from the collaboration of Elijah and Elisha?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Reformation in Elijah’s Time

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October 11, 2015 – October 17, 2015

Key Text

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” James 5:17, 18.

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 119–154.

Introduction

“God was seeking to free the people [of Israel] from their delusion, and lead them to understand their accountability to the One to Whom they owed their life and all things.” The Review and Herald, August 21, 1913.

1 A CALL FOR REPENTANCE AND REFORMATION

  • What mission did God entrust to Elijah when Israel was controlled by the priests of Baal and Ashtoreth? What did he say to Ahab, the king? I Kings 17:1.

Note: “God’s message to Ahab gave Jezebel and her priests and all the followers of Baal and Ashtoreth opportunity to test the power of their gods, and, if possible, to prove the word of Elijah false.” Prophets and Kings, 124.

  • As God sought to speak to the king, the leaders, and the people through judgments—calling for repentance and reformation, how did the heathen priests seek to keep the nation deceived?

Note: “The people were urged by their leaders to have confidence in the power of Baal and to set aside as idle words the prophecy of Elijah. The priests still insisted that it was through the power of Baal that the showers of rain fell.” Prophets and Kings, 123.

2 A SAVOR OF LIFE OR OF DEATH

  • When they met face to face, with what question did the king try to rebuke Elijah? I Kings 18:17. What must God’s messenger expect from those who refuse to receive the truth?

Note: “The prophets of God were hated by apostate Israel because through them their hidden sins were brought to light. Ahab regarded Elijah as his enemy because the prophet was faithful to rebuke the king’s secret iniquities. So today the servant of Christ, the reprover of sin, meets with scorn and rebuffs.” The Desire of Ages, 587.

“As men see that they cannot maintain their position by the Scriptures, many determine to maintain it at all hazards, and with a malicious spirit they assail the character and motives of those who stand in defense of unpopular truth. It is the same policy which has been pursued in all ages. Elijah was declared to be a troubler in Israel, Jeremiah a traitor, Paul a polluter of the temple. From that day to this, those who would be loyal to truth have been denounced as seditious, heretical, or schismatic.” The Great Controversy, 458, 459.

  • What can we expect from the vast majority, even when the truth is presented to them? Isaiah 59:14, 15; II Timothy 3:10–12. How is this to affect us?

Note: “Multitudes who are too unbelieving to accept the sure word of prophecy will receive with unquestioning credulity an accusation against those who dare to reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more. …

“In view of this, what is the duty of the messenger of truth? Shall he conclude that the truth ought not to be presented, since often its only effect is to arouse men to evade or resist its claims? No; he has no more reason for withholding the testimony of God’s word, because it excites opposition, than had earlier Reformers. …

“The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. … But this does not deter the true followers of Christ. These do not wait for truth to become popular. Being convinced of their duty, they deliberately accept the cross.” The Great Controversy, 459, 460.

3 THE DANGER OF SMOOTH SERMONS

  • When King Ahab accused Elijah of being a troubler of Israel, how did the prophet respond? I Kings 18:18.

Note: “Standing in conscious innocence before Ahab, Elijah makes no attempt to excuse himself or to flatter the king. Nor does he seek to evade the king’s wrath by the good news that the drought is almost over. He has no apology to offer. Indignant, and jealous for the honor of God, he casts back the imputation of Ahab.” Prophets and Kings, 140.

  • What kinds of sermons are needed in calling for repentance and reformation? Isaiah 58:1. What is wrong with smooth sermons?

Note: “The smooth sermons so often preached make no lasting impression; the trumpet does not give a certain sound. Men are not cut to the heart by the plain, sharp truths of God’s word.” Prophets and Kings, 140.

“Those ministers who are men pleasers, who cry, Peace, peace, when God has not spoken peace, might well humble their hearts before God, asking pardon for their insincerity and their lack of moral courage. It is not from love for their neighbor that they smooth down the message entrusted to them, but because they are self-indulgent and ease-loving. …

“God calls for men like Elijah, Nathan, and John the Baptist—men who will bear His message with faithfulness, regardless of the consequences; men who will speak the truth bravely, though it call for the sacrifice of all they have.” Ibid., 141, 142.

  • When will the accusations of Ahab be repeated against the servants of God? Revelation 13:15–17.

Note: “As the wrath of the people shall be excited by false charges, they will pursue a course toward God’s ambassadors very similar to that which apostate Israel pursued toward Elijah.” The Great Controversy, 590.

4 A CONTEST BETWEEN TWO POWERS

  • After rebuking Ahab, what did Elijah demand? I Kings 18:19, 20.

Note: “[I Kings 18:19 quoted.]

“The command was issued by one who seemed to stand in the very presence of Jehovah; and Ahab obeyed at once, as if the prophet were monarch, and the king a subject. Swift messengers were sent throughout the kingdom with the summons to meet Elijah and the prophets of Baal and Ashtoreth.” Prophets and Kings, 143.

  • What challenge did Elijah put before the people? I Kings 18:21, first part.

Note: “Facing King Ahab and the false prophets, and surrounded by the assembled hosts of Israel, Elijah stands, the only one who has appeared to vindicate the honor of Jehovah. He whom the whole kingdom has charged with its weight of woe is now before them, apparently defenseless in the presence of the monarch of Israel, the prophets of Baal, the men of war, and the surrounding thousands. But Elijah is not alone. Above and around him are the protecting hosts of heaven, angels that excel in strength.” Prophets and Kings, 147.

  • What answer did Elijah get from the assembled multitude? I Kings 18:21, second part.

Note: “The Lord abhors indifference and disloyalty in a time of crisis in His work. The whole universe is watching with inexpressible interest the closing scenes of the great controversy between good and evil. The people of God are nearing the borders of the eternal world; what can be of more importance to them than that they be loyal to the God of heaven? All through the ages, God has had moral heroes, and He has them now—those who, like Joseph and Elijah and Daniel, are not ashamed to acknowledge themselves His peculiar people.” Prophets and Kings, 148.

5 THE TEMPORARY PROTECTION OF ISRAEL

  • When Elijah proposed that, in the impending contest, “the God that answereth by fire, let him be God,” what did the people say? I Kings 18:22–24.
  • After the people had seen that the heathen priests were deceivers, what did Elijah do? I Kings 18:30–34. And then, what happened when he prayed to the Lord to manifest Himself? Verses 36–38.
  • At the end of the contest, when the people saw the fire from heaven consuming the sacrifice and the water, what did they do and say of the true and only God? 1 Kings 18:39. What order did Elijah give concerning the false teachers? Verse 40.

Note: “The priests of Baal … would still remain the prophets of Baal. Thus they showed themselves ripe for destruction. That repentant Israel may be protected from the allurements of those who have taught them to worship Baal, Elijah is directed by the Lord to destroy these false teachers.” Prophets and Kings, 153, 154.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Describe the operation of the great controversy as it related to Ahab against Elijah.

2 Explain our duty when facing the unbelieving multitudes.

3 Why are smooth messages especially perilous today?

4 When, in the near future, will the accusation of Ahab be repeated against the servants of God?

5 How are we warned against false religious teachers?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Question & Answer – Why did Moses and Elijah appear with Christ instead of angels? (Matthew 17:1–3)

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There were no others who could better encourage Jesus in His impending trial and death than those who had previously been His representatives on earth and who had suffered at the hands of those whom they had tried to lead.

“At the transfiguration the Lord sent Moses and Elijah to talk with Jesus concerning His sufferings and death. Instead of choosing angels to converse with His Son, God chose those who had themselves experienced the trials of earth.” Early Writings, 162.

“The Father chose Moses and Elijah to be His messengers to Christ, and glorify Him with the light of Heaven, and commune with Him concerning His coming agony, because they had lived upon earth as men; they had experienced human sorrow and suffering, and could sympathize with the trial of Jesus, in His earthly life. Elijah, in his position as a prophet to Israel, had represented Christ, and his work had been, in a degree, similar to that of the Saviour. And Moses, as the leader of Israel, had stood in the place of Christ, communing with Him and following His directions; therefore, these two, of all the hosts that gathered around the throne of God, were fittest to minister to the Son of God.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 329.

“Elijah had walked with God. His work had been painful and trying, for the Lord through him had reproved the sins of Israel. Elijah was a prophet of God; yet he was compelled to flee from place to place to save his life. His own nation hunted him like a wild beast that they might destroy him. But God translated Elijah. Angels bore him in glory and triumph to heaven.

“Moses was greater than any who had lived before him. He had been highly honored of God, being privileged to talk with the Lord face to face, as a man speaks with a friend. He was permitted to see the bright light and excellent glory that enshrouded the Father. The Lord through Moses delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Moses was a mediator for his people, often standing between them and the wrath of God. When the anger of the Lord was greatly kindled against Israel for their unbelief, their murmurings, and their grievous sins, Moses’ love for them was tested. God proposed to destroy them and to make of him a mighty nation. Moses showed his love for Israel by his earnest pleading in their behalf. In his distress he prayed God to turn from His fierce anger and forgive Israel, or blot his name out of His book.” Early Writings, 162, 163.

Also we are told that “Moses was present to represent those who will be raised from the dead at the second appearing of Jesus. And Elijah, who was translated without seeing death, represented those who will be changed to immortality at Christ’s second coming and will be translated to heaven without seeing death.” Ibid., 164.