The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came. Go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael as king over Aram. [16] Also anoint Jehu as king over Israel. He is the son of Nimshi. And anoint Elisha from Abel Meholah as the next prophet after you. He is the son of Shaphat.
[17] Jehu will put to death anyone who escapes Hazael’s sword. And Elisha will put to death anyone who escapes Jehu’s sword. [18] But I will keep 7,000 people in Israel for myself. They have not bowed down to Baal. And they have not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:15-18 NIrV
This is the day you join “Stella” and “the Emperor,” and either get your groove back, find a new one, or spend time puzzling over the identities of the aforementioned characters.
We left Elijah repetitively delivering his emotionally honest complaint on multiple occasions, but little did he know God was working him through his feelings.
Once God had worked him through his feelings he laid out his plan for Elijah. This is the cool, funny, or amazing thing about God … he always has a plan.
He tells Elijah to “go back” because they have unfinished business. Then he lists names and positions, including Hazael and Jehu who God wants Elijah to make kings, and after that Elisha who Elijah will make a prophet. Elijah thought he was alone, but now he has a team.
Additionally, God tells Elijah he has 7,000 serious players, courageous followers, and spiritual warriors who will not back down from anyone or anything. Elijah thought he was the only one, but now he discovers he is one of many.
Elijah started out alone and on the run, now he was coming back with two kings, a best friend-to-be and fellow prophet, along with 7,000 spiritual warriors all on his side.
Maybe this is a lesson for all of us about running and quitting. Before we “give up the ghost,” maybe we should check with God to find out if he has a plan. Life will be a lot less emotional, and instead of having to get our groove back, we wouldn’t lose it in the first place.
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As the editor in chief for Deep Spirituality, Russ Ewell writes, teaches, and innovates with his eyes on the future. His teaching is rooted in providing hope for those turned off by tradition and infused with vision for building a transformative church. His passion to inspire even the most skeptical to view God through fresh eyes can be found in his book, He's Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself.
As the editor in chief for Deep Spirituality, Russ Ewell writes, teaches, and innovates with his eyes on the future. His teaching is rooted in providing hope for those turned off by tradition and infused with vision for building a transformative church. His passion to inspire even the most skeptical to view God through fresh eyes can be found in his book, He's Not Who You Think He Is: Dropping Your Assumptions and Discovering God for Yourself.