As we close out our study of Elijah, here are ten key lessons that we learned from the life of this great prophet.
1. Elijah’s prophetic ministry is symbolic of our role as agents of the kingdom of God.
While we are not called to be prophets in the exact way as Elijah, we nevertheless play a “prophetic” role in our time and place in history. The Lord has given each of us a platform, a sphere of influence, and it is our responsibility to be good stewards and use our platform to represent the truth and love of the kingdom of God. We are to live and speak the truth of Christ into the situations of our time.
God wants all of his people to be prophets and agents of the truth. Consider what Moses said to the people of Israel: “Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11.29)
This is precisely what happens in the New Covenant. When we trust in Christ, the Holy Spirit works within us for transformation and works through us for proclamation. Here’s what Paul writes to the Corinthians:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5.17-20)
2. The prophetic ministry requires inner strength.
It is not for the timid or faint of heart. The same can be said for us in our time. Like being a prophet in the time of Elijah, it requires toughness and courage to be a true follower of Christ in our generation. It is not for the timid of faint of heart. The good news is that God makes his power available to us. Our task is to believe, do the work, and walk in His strength.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1.7)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9)
The Lord is calling.
