May 25, 2022
Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” 1 Kings 18:17
How is it that Israel’s king would perceive the nation’s most faithful man of his time as a troubler? The LORD’s prophet Elijah could see that the inhabitants of Israel had moved far away from the LORD and His word. As is happening today, the professed leaders of God’s people are often the most critical of those who preach the Bible in its entirety.
And [Elijah] answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals.” (v.18)
The people knew what the word of the LORD taught, but they had so intermingled with pagans that their faith had no substance; they no longer took a stand for righteousness.
Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions: If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word. (v.21)
Their reticence to respond meant they did not want to be faced with a decision. But our loving heavenly Father has a wonderful way of bringing each of us to a “fork in the road”—a point of decision: for or against Him. His word reminds us often that there is no middle ground.
John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17); he made truth clear and insisted on a decision. In His earthly ministry, Jesus taught preparation for His second advent. His words regarding John are worthy of pondering by the least in God’s kingdom. Beloved, if we comprehend the urgency, this is us!
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11
In the last days before Jesus returns, our crowded world—billions of people, all of whom are of indescribable value to Him—will hear an “Elijah message”. Just as the first Elijah message brought the people to the right decision, distinguishing the true God from the false (see 1 Kings 18:39), many will come to recognize how saturated with paganism the Christian world has become. This last-day message is summarized in the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-11. Our world is in a state of deep spiritual crisis, including widespread apostasy among the professed people of God. The three-point message being preached is accompanied by such power from heaven that it will bring “business-as-usual” to a halt! Jesus gave us an overview of end-time bad news, which we are observing every day now, but His last point was GREAT news:
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14
The Spirit of God spoke through Malachi of preparation for the second coming of Jesus thus:
“I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” Malachi 4:5