S2 Ep2149: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 454 | New Thing Series — Part 9 | “Elijah’s Past” | Malcolm Cox

Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'


For the next few days we are focussed on God doing a new thing in the lives of Elijah and Elisha. Today we explore Elijah’s past. 


Before God could do a new thing in Elijah, he had to reckon with his past. How does Elijah view his history?


“I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10 NIV11)


Note the phrase - ‘I have been’. Elijah’s previous faith-exploits are the stuff of legend. He

predicted a drought that lasted three and a half years, he helped a widow whose oil didn't run out despite her poverty, he brought a widow's dead son back to life, he called down fire from heaven proving God's power. He has been courageous, faithful and obedient. 


Note also - ‘The Israelites have rejected…’. While this had been the case, it was not true any longer. “Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there.” (1 Kings 18:40 NIV11)


Finally note - ‘I am the only one…’. It turns out this was not true either: “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.””, 1 Kings 19:18.) He is lonely.


If Elijah is so zealous, why was he running for life after Jezebel’s threat, and why did he pray, “I have had enough, LORD….Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”” (1 Kings 19:4 NIV11)


For Reflection

Sometimes, before God can do a new thing in us, we need to reflect honestly and courageously on our past defeats. Bear this in mind - there is no faultless Biblical hero (other than Jesus). All have sinned, yet all can learn from sin and move on to a new thing. Could you take some time today to bring your faith failures to God and ask him to forgive, grant you a new perspective, and renew your faith for the future?


Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless. 


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Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.


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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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