146 Thrive Deeper: 1 Kings 17 - 2 Kings 2

1 Kings 16 leading into 17 – we see the House of Omri take reign of Israel (the northern Kingdom) and his son Ahab. During Ahab’s 22 year reign he consolidated his fathers achievements and expanded Israel’s influence. Secular historians would tend to speak highly of the accomplishments of Ahab. But the Bible has a different perspective. It was the worst of times for the northern Kingdom – Israel. Ahab did more evil than any before him.

Ahab was a polytheist – claiming to follow the Lord, but also serving Baal. Israel was now in a place where worshipping many gods was the norm. The most powerful influence in his life was his wife Jezebel. Under Ahab and Jezebel, Baal worship became the state religion of Israel.

Then enters Elijah. From this point forward until well into 2 Kings, the central focus of the writer of Kings is not on the Kings, or armies, or an organised rebellion to oppose an evil King, but 2 men armed the Word of God. Elijah lived his life under the authority of Gods word in total dependence on God. God was demonstrating to Elijah that HE was the God of all – including nature – not Baal and he would provide all that Elijah needed to survive. This was crucial preparation for what we see happen at Mount Carmel.

We then meet Obadiah – ‘Keeper of Ahab’s Palace’. Obadiah was a devout believer in the Lord BUT, was balancing loyalties.
Then we see the powerful story of Elijah on Mount Carmel. Elijah’s prayer to God was simple compared to the elaborate rituals of the Baal prophets. “ . . . so these people will know that you, oh Lord, are God.” God answered instantly . . . the people cried out The Lord he is God!

But then we see that Elijah is on the run again. He flees into Judah (Beer-sheba). Elijah is led by the Lord to Mount Horeb – also known as Mount Sinai where God had revealed himself to Moses. Elijah too will hear from God.