Men In The Bible

John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets, acting as a bridge between the old and new covenant, and was the last to announce the coming of Christ. John’s ministry, although a short one was significant. John brought an end to over 400 years of prophetic silence. He was born six months before Jesus and was a relation, His cousin. John was the only one, other than Jesus, whose birth and death are recorded in the Gospels. 

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight” (Matthew 3:3)

John’s coming into the world, like Jesus, was announced beforehand by an angel. Zechariah and Elizabeth were well on in years, Elizabeth was barren. Gabriel appeared to Zechariah announcing they would have a son, he was to be given the name John. Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce she would give birth to a son, Jesus, he also informed her of John. Mary visited Elizabeth during her pregnancy. John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb on hearing Mary’s voice. Gabriel said of John: 

“He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He …will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. (Luke 1:15-16)

Zechariah was a priest who served in the temple and a descendant of Aaron. John as a child would have been raised under Zechariah’s teaching. He was set apart for a special mission, a forerunner for the arrival of Christ. John’s message was a very simple one. He was to preach repentance, baptise people in water and preach on the coming Kingdom of God.

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2)

The gospel of John introduces John as 'a man sent from God' and ‘a witness to the light'. John lived several years in the wilderness prior to the start of his ministry eating only locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). His clothes were of camel's hair and he had a leather belt round his waist. It is believed that at the age of 30, John began preaching on the banks of the Jordan. As John baptised many people, he was given the name ‘John the Baptist’. John pointed people towards the Lord, his faith made him courageous, he spoke the truth boldly, regardless of the consequences. News of John’s preaching spread rapidly. Crowds gathered to hear John without the aid of social media, advertising or outreach programs, word of him spread throughout the region of Judea and the surrounding areas.

“People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptised in the Jordan River." (Matthew 3:5–6)

When the Apostle Paul arrived in Ephesus, he came across some of John’s disciples, they had only experienced John’s baptism (Acts 19:1-7), which indicates his ministry had a great influence. John would have appeared on the scene publicly around six months prior to Jesus commencing His ministry. John and Jesus encountered one another while in the womb. They met again, in water! Jesus came from Galilee to be baptised in the Jordan River by John.

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

John instantly recognised Jesus and proclaimed him as ‘the Lamb of God’. As Jesus was the sinless Son of God, He did not need baptised for the repentance of sin. John did not consider himself worthy to baptise Jesus. 

"The strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:29)

Jesus responded to John by explaining His baptism would be to fulfil all righteousness, Jesus was identifying Himself with sinners and setting an example for others. John baptised Jesus, which was the beginning of Jesus' ministry. John’s baptism in water is an important part of Christianity today. Jesus told his disciples:

'therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit' (Matthew 28:19)

John’s baptism of repentance was not accepted by the self-righteous. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not believe that they were sinners. They were the religious leaders in Israel during the time of John and Jesus. They were the law-keepers who kept to their religious traditions. John confronted them on their hypocrisy, calling them a brood of vipers (Matthew 3:7–10). It was a bold and direct statement, one which Jesus repeated in Matthew 12:34. They believed they had no need to repent being descendants directly from Abraham. John told them:

“And do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones” (Matthew 3:9).

John prepared the way for Jesus. Religious leaders were expecting Elijah rather than John the Baptist. Although John had denied being Elijah, he operated in the ‘spirit of Elijah’.

They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Finally, they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself? ”John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.” 

(John 1:21-23)

The arrival of John was a fulfilment of biblical prophecy, Elijah would come first to usher in the arrival of Messiah (Malachi 3:1).

And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, . . . to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:16–17).

John was direct with King Herod and challenged him on his sinful lifestyle. Herod married Herodias, who was the wife of his brother Philip. John spoke boldly and publicly against the marriage, which was not welcomed by King Herod or his new wife (Luke 3:19–20). Herod was afraid of John’s popularity and his influence on the people, he  eventually put him in prison.

"He must increase; I must decrease" (John 3:30)

People were becoming aware of who Jesus was. As John had become well-known, many people followed him as disciples. John encouraged them to leave his leadership to go follow Jesus (John 1:35-39). John was not jealous that the crowds were now gathering around Jesus instead. John’s ministry was drawing to a close. He gave up the spotlight to Jesus saying: 

John Begins To Doubt 

While John was in prison, he heard all Jesus was doing. Up till that time he had no doubts that Jesus  was indeed the Son of God. But he began to doubt, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He truly was the Messiah. 

'"Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"' 

(Matthew 11:3).

John could have been in prison for over a year when he asked this. Jesus responded by telling the men to go ask John what he had seen and heard, were the prophecies being fulfilled? Jesus was not accepted as the Messiah by the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Sanhedrin. It is understandable John began to have doubts. While John was in prison there was a banquet for Herod’s birthday. The daughter of Herod’s wife danced for him. Her dance pleased Herod so much, he promised her whatever her heart desired. Instigated by her mother, she requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. 

“So, she, having been prompted by her mother, said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter’” (Matthew 14:8). 

Herod was distressed, he liked to listen to John preach, but because of his oath he did not want to go back on his word in front of his guests, so John was beheaded at the command of Herod. News of John’s death was sent to Jesus. Jesus responded:

'I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he' 

(Luke 7: 28).

John the Baptist only preached on sin, repentance and forgiveness as the Lord was coming. John was a prophet and therefore he spoke the truth about sin in his society and in the lives of those he preached to. He preached repentance for judgment was at hand. John’s preaching did not come from condemnation, it came with conviction through the empowerment of the Holy spirit. It was aimed at bringing people closer to God through repentance, making them aware of their need for salvation. John began preaching during the time of political oppression. He was a  radical messenger, not a crowd-pleaser. John did not compromise the truth, he called sin for what it was. 

John would probably not be welcomed in many churches today. His preaching would be viewed as ‘not politically correct’ and would offend many. The gospel message should be the same today through the power of the Holy Spirit. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit and fire on the day of Pentecost which John had prophesied of occurred after he died.

He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire' (Luke 3:16).

John was opposed by religious and political leaders. The moral conditions of that day are similar today. John was confrontational with regards to sin, consequences and the immoral life of King Herod. John is an example of obedience and courage, which cost him his life! Speaking out against sin can get you put in prison today. Doing what God wants, fulfilling the call on your life and being a Christian may not bring acceptance, recognition and the appreciation from other people. But no-one can achieve more than walking in obedience to God, even if we don’t know or understand the outcome. John fully accepted and surrendered to the call upon his life. John did not view his own needs in life as more important. 

John the Baptist is the first soul winner we read of in the New Testament. Much progress could be made for the gospel today if we decreased so that the Lord could increase. A true messenger of God will deflect the attention from himself towards God. John was to prepare the hearts of people for the arrival of Christ, just as we are called to today, to warn people and prepare them for the return of Christ. 

Jeremiah is the longest of prophetic books. Jeremiah was only around 17 when God called him as a prophet. God had forbidden him to marry or have children (Jeremiah 16:2). His ministry began in the 13th year of King Josiah (1:2). Jeremiah lived in the nation of Judah and His father was a priest. He was one of the prophets in the time of the Babylonian exile. Jeremiah is referred to as 'the weeping prophet'.

Jeremiah was called to tell Judah that because of their sin, God had turned against them. God was going to remove them from the land and give them into the hands of the King of Babylon if they refused to repent. Jeremiah had proclaimed many warnings beforehand. This continued during the last five kings of Judah, 40 years. Josiah was one of Judah’s most righteous kings. After his death, four unrighteous kings came onto the throne, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah. Zedekiah was King when the Babylonians came, destroyed Jerusalem and burned the temple. 

Jeremiah, like most of the Old Testament prophets was ignored, disliked, mistreated, ridiculed and persecuted. He was despised by his own people. Jeremiah is known as ‘the weeping prophet’, he cried and lamented for his people (Book of Lamentations) he knew what was about to happen, no matter how hard he tried to warn them of God’s impending judgment, they would not listen. The nation had turned away from God and replaced Him with false gods, they became an idolatrous people. They were hardened by their sin and no longer believed God or feared Him. The prophesying of Jeremiah had no effect on their hearts and minds, they refused to listen to God’s warnings. People did not want to hear what Jeremiah had to say or listen to his constant warnings of coming judgment, as a result Jeremiah became discouraged and depressed. Even the great prophets of the Old Testament experienced depression and discouragement, Elijah and King David. Jeremiah encountered many trials during his ministry. The trials came from false prophets, priests, evil kings and the people themselves.

Jeremiah & Hananiah, the False Prophet

In Jeremiah 28:1-17, we read of the conflict between Jeremiah and the false prophet Hananiah. This warns us of the need to discern between true and false prophets, or true and false teachers. Jeremiah often referred to false prophets, Hananiah was one of the most obvious, and an example of true prophecy versus false prophecy. Hananiah even used the name of the Lord while making his false prophecy. He had all the correct prophetic language, "Thus says the Lord" (Jeremiah 28:2), but his words conflicted with Jeremiah’s..

False prophets can sound convincing. One aspect of false prophecy is the promise of peace and prosperity in a time of coming judgement. Jeremiah listened first to what Hananiah had to say, then Jeremiah responded with the word of the Lord. He did not try to prove, convince or justify himself to anyone that he was the true prophet.

‘Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord fulfil the words that you have prophesied and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all the exiles. But listen now to this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes true, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.’ (Jeremiah 28:5-9)

The truth was that judgment was coming. Even though Jeremiah agreed Hananiah’s prophecy would be good for Israel, it wasn’t the truth. Jeremiah then prophesied of Hananiah’s death. In the seventh month, the prophet Hananiah died, just as Jeremiah had foretold.

thus says the Lord: I am going to send you off the face of the earth. Within this year you will be dead, because you have spoken rebellion against the Lord.’ (Jeremiah 28:16)

It is the same today, believers who hold to the truth of God’s word in the last days will be despised and rejected (Revelation 3:10). Many will not heed the warnings of God’s coming judgment. This will include many people  in the church, as many will turn away from the faith and not follow sound doctrine, which is truth.

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (2 Timot 4:3-4).

Revelation 16:9, 11 & 21 mentions those who refuse to repent, as they will be hardened. Many will blaspheme God instead of repenting, even when inflicted with severest of judgments, but we will have to persevere in proclaiming the truth of God’s word and like Jeremiah, many will not want to listen. God desires the best for us. He does not desire anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). In his mercy, God sends warnings prior to judgment, it allows people time to turn and repent, so they can be spared.

The Israelites had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after being delivered from under the slavery of the Egyptians. Joshua had been in training during this time under the leadership of  Moses. We first read of Joshua in Exodus 17, when the  Amalekites came to attack Israel. At Moses’ command, Joshua went out and defeated them. Joshua came to be a leader through obedience to God. From the book of Joshua, we can learn much about spiritual warfare.

Spying Out The Promised Land (Numbers 13)

God had instructed Moses to send out 12 people, one from each tribe of Israel to spy out the land of Canaan, the land which God had promised them. On their return all 12 gave a report. Although the land was bountiful, it was occupied by strong warriors and giants. Only Joshua and Caleb believed with God’s help the Israelites would conquer the land and were not intimidated by giants, (the Nephilim). 10 of the spies were intimidated by what they saw and spread a bad report amongst the people. Joshua and Caleb urged the people to go and take the land, they believed God’s promises. Joshua and Caleb knew their God, as they would  probably have recalled how God previously destroyed the Egyptians, and they knew that God was more than capable of defeating the giants and the Canaanite tribes. God rewarded Joshua and Caleb for their faith and were the only ones kept from dying in the wilderness from their generation (Numbers 14:29-30). After 40 years, the Israelites had eventually approached the border of the Promised Land. Their leader, Moses had died, now they had a new leader, Joshua, and this was the beginning of a new era for them. 

Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. (Joshua 1:6)

God promised to be with Joshua, just as He had been with Moses. This generation had never experienced the hardships that Israel had endured in Egypt or witnessed the exodus, except for Joshua and Caleb. The Israelites were about to take the land in which God had promised to Abraham more than 400 years previously, and God is faithful to His promises! Although there were battles to be faced and giants to defeat, God was with them and leading them. Joshua had been appointed to lead God’s people in the conquest for the Promised Land. As God had instructed, Joshua ordered all the people to consecrate them-selves. The next day Joshua assembled all the people behind the Ark of the Covenant. Joshua would have learned under Moses’ leadership that God's ways did not always make sense. Joshua did not question God's instructions, he just obeyed them.

Crossing Over  (Joshua 3-4)

Joshua instructed the Levite Priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant to the edge of the Jordan River, which would have been in full flood during harvest time. As the Priests stepped in to the Jordan, the waters coming downstream stood up in a heap, as God stopped the river flow. There may be a time in our walk with God a step of faith will be needed, even if this does not make sense. Most of us would prefer the river was stopped and parted before stepping out. 

Joshua would have been born in Egypt and would have seen God open up the Red Sea for the Israelites after leaving Egypt. God brought the Israelites out of Egypt with a miracle and was leading them into the promised land with a miracle! After the Jordan had opened up, all the people crossed over onto dry land. (Joshua 16-17). This was a miracle, as the riverbed should have been all mud and marsh. Before the priests stepped away from the river, 12 men from each of the tribes of Israel took a stone. The stones were placed in the promised land as a reminder to future generations how God led the Israelites out of the wilderness into the promised land. After they had all crossed over and were safely back on dry land, the waters of the Jordan closed back in. According to Joshua 5:1, after the Amorite and Canaanite Kings heard how God parted the Jordan and  all the Israelites crossed over, their hearts sank, they did not have the courage to face the Israelites.

God’s Battle Plan & The Destruction of Jericho

Jericho was the first city on God’s agenda. Although it was not a large city, it was strategic in the conquest for Canaan. It required faith from Joshua, the leaders and all the Israelites. The people of Jericho were afraid, Joshua 6 tells us Jericho was tightly shut up, and no-one went in or out of the city. As God instructed, Joshua sent soldiers to march around the city once a day for six days. Priests were behind the soldiers blowing the trumpets of rams horns before the Ark. The people of Jericho would be watching and wandering when the Israelites were going to attack. On the seventh day, they were to circle the city seven times, and then make a loud blast from the trumpets. At Joshua's command, all the people were to give a loud shout, after which the walls of Jericho came crashing down. Israelite soldiers rushed in to conquer the city. Only Rahab and her household had been spared, to fulfil the promise made in Joshua 2. The Battle of Jericho shows us that God was with the Israelites.

When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so, every man charged straight in, and they took the city. (Joshua 6:20)
 

The spoil was of great value and was offered to the Lord. These were the ‘first fruits’ of their new land and were dedicated to God. This is an example of tithe the Bible often mentions. 

The Battle of Ai, The Defeat & Achan’s Sin

After the greatest victories, we can let our guard down. The next battle, the Battle of Ai ended in disaster. We do not read where God had been consulted beforehand or where God had instructed the Israelites to go against Ai into battle. This was a hard lesson for Joshua and the Israelites, especially after the great success at Jericho. Overconfidence and sin resulted in their defeat this time (Joshua 7: 5 - 6). Joshua tore his clothes, and sought God after their defeat at Ai. The Israelites had gone into battle presumptuously, but with disobedience in the camp. Achan had kept some of the spoil back for himself from the battle of Jericho, which was against God’s very clear instructions and warnings. God made it clear to the Israelites beforehand, that by keeping any of the spoil for themselves it would bring on them destruction.

But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. (Joshua 6:18)

The Bible tells us ‘Israel acted unfaithfully’ (Joshua 7:1) even though it had only been one man’s sin. On several occasions before a battle, God would let the Israelites know beforehand if they would defeat their enemies, as He had done prior to the battle of Jericho in Joshua 6:2. If Joshua had enquired of the Lord first, God would have exposed the problems within the camp and would have given Joshua instructions whether or not to go ahead into the battle. When comparing the two battles, apart from the obvious, one ending in victory and the other in disaster, Joshua listened to the people instead of enquiring of the Lord. He had sent men ahead to spy out the region of Ai (Joshua 7:2). The spies brought back a report, they recommended sending only two or three thousand  soldiers, for not many people dwelled in Ai, Joshua acted on this information. Although this may have seemed the right thing to do, they were routed by the men of Ai and as a result 36 men were killed. The Battle of Ai showed God was not with them. 

The Victory of Ai

After a disastrous attempt which led to their defeat, had Ai been on God’s agenda? Achan’s sin was exposed, God gave Joshua the strength for another attempt to take Ai. This time God was consulted first,  and Joshua was given instructions to take the whole army up against Ai and set an ambush first. God told Joshua not to be afraid or discouraged, He had already given Ai into their hands. As God was with them, it resulted in a victory, and Ai was totally destroyed.

The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9)

After the Israelites had defeated Ai, Canaanite armies united to form an alliance against them (Joshua 9:1–2). The Gibeonites were Israel’s enemies, as they were the descendants of the Amorites (2 Samuel 21:2). They had planned on a deceptive approach after they heard  how Joshua defeated Jericho and Ai. With men disguised as travellers from a distant country, they sent them out to deceive the Israelites into a treaty. The Gibeonites put on a convincing show. Their donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and wineskins. They wore old sandals, old clothes and carried dry mouldy bread. They went to the Israelite camp at Gilgal.

“We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us”  

(Joshua 9:4–6).

They claimed to come in admiration of the God of Israel, as well as travellers they were also disguised as worshippers. The Gibeonite’s plan was successful, but the real issue was that Joshua did not enquire of the Lord first (Joshua 9:14). God had forbidden the Israelites to make peace with the Canaanite tribes (Exodus 23:23). Three days later, the Israelites had then discovered the men were their neighbours, as a result they could not destroy them due to the treaty they had made. Do not underestimate the enemy! Deception is still one of Satan’s most powerful weapons today. He comes as an angel of light, his messengers as wolves in sheep's clothing. We have to be cautious before entering into any agreement, especially fellowship with others, marriage or business decisions, we need to pray and seek God before making major decisions. God can protect us and even rescue us from the deceptions of the enemy, but sometimes our mistakes can come with consequences. God punished the Gibeonites for their deception, although they survived, they served the Israelites as slaves, wood-cutters and water carriers. The land of the Gibeonites was later allotted to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 21:17).

End Time Warriors 

Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites entered the promised land. With the exception of Ai, he had led the Israelites into great victories. Joshua is an example of the spiritual leadership required in these last days. The Israelites were involved in a spiritual battle and Joshua required the people to be spiritually prepared. Joshua’s leadership skills are seen through his obedience and his faith in God. He showed courage and responsibility with what God had entrusted him with. A different type of leadership was required for this new generation. Moses had led God’s people out of Egypt and through the wilder-ness, but Joshua led them into battle and the promised land. Bible scholars believe Joshua was the foreshadowing of Jesus, Moses had represented the law. Like Moses, Jesus delivered us from the slavery of sin (Egypt), and like Joshua, Jesus will lead us into the promised land, eternity! 

In Acts 8:9-24, Philip arrived in Samaria to preach the gospel.  There was a famous magician there known as ‘Simon the Sorcerer’ who bewitched many people with his sorcery. He had great influence over the people and amazed them for a long time. Many were deceived into believing this ‘Great Power’ was from God. Simon was very boastful and believed he was someone great, but his popularity was threatened after Philip had arrived on the scene. Many accepted the gospel there and were being baptised, Simon was one of  Even though Simon had impressed many with his sorcery, he recognised the power of the Holy Spirit in the miracles done through Philip, which was different from the power he had himself. He was so amazed by the miracles, he followed Philip everywhere. Those who Philip had baptised in water had not been ‘laid hands on’ to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter and John arrived soon afterwards to carry out this baptism. Seeing the people had received the Holy Spirit through ‘laying on of hands’, Simon wanted this power also. 

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:18-19)

His motives were exposed when he offered the apostles money for this power. His income and reputation would have depended on the ability to perform magic, and he could have seen this as an opportunity to make more money. Peter was angry and pointed out his heart was captive to sin, Simon then begged Peter to pray for him.  

“Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.”  (Acts 8:20-23)

Some of the magicians and the illusionists we see today are only entertainers. There is a difference between the magicians on stage today to those referred to in the Bible The magicians back then gained power through a demonic source. The difficulty can be knowing those who are associated with the occult and those not. Some magic tricks and illusions are only  trickery, no supernatural power is used. This requires wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit. The Occult is a practise used to gain insight, knowledge and supernatural power. This is demonic, which is Satan’s realm of power. In Acts 19 those who practised sorcery renounced their occult involvement openly. In Acts 13:6-11, Elymas was a magician who greatly opposed the gospel. Paul called him a child of the devil!

Sorcery is another form of witchcraft. It is using supernatural power from a demonic source which is Satan’s realm of power. Interest in the paranormal has become popular  today. For our own safety, God has forbidden us to use this practice

“Let no one be found among you who practise divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritualist, or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy. 18:10)

These were invented by Satan and are counterfeit gifts that work in opposition to God’s power. Like Simon the Sorcerer, Satan deceives people into believing they are gifted in these areas, so he can use them to deceive others. God’s supernatural power only comes through the Holy Spirit.

Divination (Used to Gain Knowledge) 

· Fortune Telling

· Tea-leaf reading

· Crystal ball

· Palmistry 

· Horoscope Reading

· Astrology

· Clairvoyance

· Séances

· Telepathy

· Numerology

· Automatic Handwriting

· Crystal stones/Runes

Witchcraft (Used to Gain power) 

· Astral Projection

· Mind Control – Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy 

· Acupuncture

· ESP

· Levitation

· Witchcraft (Curses and spells)

· Satanism

Idolatry & New Age Practises & Religions

· Healing (Faith, spiritual healing, Reiki, Channelling)

· Freemasonry 

· Yoga 

Elijah was a prophet of the Lord God. His life is covered in the book of 1st & 2nd Kings. Elijah challenged the people of Israel to turn from their sin and return to God. This would have been between 874-853 BC, during the reign of King Ahab. Ahab and his wife, Jezebel were  both wicked, they ruled over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. King Ahab did more to provoke the Lord’s anger than any king before him. Queen Jezebel introduced Baal worship to Israel, which influenced the King and the people (1 Kings 16:31), and she was murdering God’s prophets. The majority of Israel had turned to worship the Canaanite gods Baal and Ashtoreth, but 7,000 had remained faithful, who had not bowed down to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). God sent warnings to Israel, to turn from worshipping pagan Gods and was about to bring severe judgment on the nation.

God used Elijah to confront King Ahab with a warning. Elijah prophesied a drought was to come on the whole land due to Ahab’s wickedness, which would result in a great famine. There had already been a drought for 6 months, Elijah told Ahab it would not rain in Israel for 3 more years. Withholding rain was the first miracle God did through Elijah (1 Kings 17:1). God sent Elijah to hide out at the brook at Kerith Ravine during the drought and commanded the ravens to feed him there.

The Widow in Zarephath 

When the brook dried up, and the drought and famine in the land grew worse, God sent Elijah to a widow in Zarephath, a town just outside Israel. In her obedience to Elijah’s request, God miraculously provided food for Elijah, the woman and her son. The widow’s barrel of flour and the jar of oil never ran out (1 Kings 17:8–16). Elijah stayed there for a time in an upper room of the widow’s house. Sometime later, the woman’s son died. In her grief, she blamed Elijah for his death, she thought God was punishing her. Elijah carried the boy up to his room, he prayed over him, cried out to God and stretched himself out on the boy's body three times. God restored the boy’s life. The widow responded, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth” (verse 24).

Meantime what Elijah had prophesied came to pass. King Ahab and his officials were furious with Elijah, they blamed him for all the suffering in Israel and were hunting Elijah (1 Kings 18:10). The King called Elijah the ‘troubler of Israel’. God instructed Elijah to go and appear before King Ahab. 

“Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, ‘Is that you, O troubler of Israel?’ ” (1 Kings 18:19).

Showdown on Mount Carmel 

The showdown on Mt. Carmel was a bold and direct challenge on the Canaanite God Baal, who was believed to be responsible for the rain, lightening and dew.

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” 

(1 Kings 18:21)

Elijah challenged Ahab, Jezebel and the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah, and all the people of Israel to attend a public demonstration, to prove Baal was powerless against the Lord God of Israel. 

“I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” (1 Kings 18:24)

The Baal prophets called on their god to send down fire from morning till evening, but there was no response. Elijah taunted them.

“Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice” 

(1 Kings 18:27-29)

Elijah put his burnt offering on the altar along with the wood. He had his servant cover the sacrifice and the wood with water three times till completely soaked. The water ran down the altar and filled the trench. Elijah called on the Lord God. Fire came down from heaven and consumed the offering, the wood, the altar and the water. Thousands witnessed the fire consuming the sacrifice. The people of Israel were convinced that only the Lord God of Israel could do such a miracle. The people fell down on their faces proclaiming the Lord was God. 

"Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell, prostrate and cried, "The LORD-he is God! The LORD-he is God!"  (1 Kings 18:36-39)

Elijah had exposed the false prophets of Baal as powerless. He ordered the people to execute all 850 false prophets (1 Kings 18:36-40). Afterwards, Elijah told Ahab to go eat and drink “for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.

Elijah prayed it would rain and it rained, which brought an end to severe drought in Israel. Elijah is mentioned in the book of James, James uses Elijah as an example of the power and effectiveness of prayer.

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).

Elijah and Jezebel

After the false prophets of Baal were killed, Jezebel was furious of the news her prophets had been killed. She sent a messenger to Elijah with a death threat. 

May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” (1 Kings 19:2)

Even after such great victory, Elijah ran for his life and became deeply discouraged, to the point of wanting to die. An angel brought him some food. Elijah then took a 40-day journey to Mount Horeb and hid in a cave feeling depressed. He believed he was the only prophet of God left. The Lord instructed Elijah to stand on the mountain as He passed by. There was a great wind, an earthquake and then fire, but God was not in any of these. Then there came a still, small voice which Elijah recognised as God’s voice. 

The Calling of Elisha

God gave instructions to Elijah to go and anoint Hazael as the King of Syria (1 Kings 19:15), anoint Jehu as King of Israel and anoint Elisha as prophet to take his place. God informed Elijah that there were 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal. Elijah thought he was the only one who had been faithful to God. Elijah was Elisha’s mentor for a time. Elisha, knowing that Elijah would not be with him much longer, asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elijah’s death was not a natural one. God sent chariots and horses of fire and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle and used it to cross the Jordan on dry land.

As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. (2 Kings 2:11)
 

The  ‘End-Time’ Elijah

The book of Revelation details two end-time witnesses,  one is similar to Elijah, who will arise at the end of age prior to Christ’s return. They will proclaim a message of repentance and perform the same miracles as Elijah did. Bringing down fire from heaven and with-holding rain. Similar to John the Baptist, they will both witnesses will operate in the power and spirit of Elijah (Luke 1:17).

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD” (Malachi 4:5-6).

Sometimes Bible prophecy can have a dual or a multiple fulfilment.  The world will go through a period referred to as the tribulation. During this time, the two witnesses have power to withhold rain for 3½ years. It will be a call to repentance, to prepare people for Christ’s return. 

“And I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. … These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy” (Revelation 11:3, 6).

Lessons from Elijah Are Relevant Today

Elijah’s message to Israel is just as important today. We cannot compromise our Christian faith with the world. Many people follow the world, its riches, fame and all its pleasure. Double-mindedness is professing to be a Christian yet following our own desires. It is a half-hearted attitude in following Jesus. Idolatry is putting anything before God or worshipping other gods. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites were influenced by the practises of other cultures and turned to worship their Gods. Elijah gave them the ultimatum, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him." but if Baal is God, follow him.”

Like Elijah, when we take our eyes off God and focus on our circumstances we become easily discouraged. After great spiritual victories comes spiritual attacks. But God will meet our physical and spiritual needs. Ravens don’t normally deliver bread, they eat it!  God encourages and strengthens us to carry on, He reassures us we are not alone when we walk in His calling and obedience. Elijah like us, struggled with his emotions but he was still used powerfully by God. In the midst of drought and famine, ravens brought Elijah bread and meat, in the morning and evening, he also drank from the brook. It's hard to imagine ravens delivering food, as they are scavenging birds that would normally eat it. But God can provide in mysterious ways. God commanded the ravens to feed Elijah. "I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." (1Kings 17:4) God used Elijah to be a channel of blessing to the widow in Zarephath. Just as Elijah had received God’s supernatural provision, this widow was in need. God had Elijah travel out his way to supply her needs.

Elijah exposed the deception of the false prophets in his day. There are many false prophets around today, but all Elijah’s words came to pass. Ahab was slain in battle, and Jezebel was put to death by King Jehu, just as Elijah had prophesied. Like Elijah, prophets often give warnings of God’s impending judgement. They are often despised and misunderstood by people.