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WITH PASSIONS ALIKE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
James 5:17-18

1 Kings 18:42-45

 

“…the heaven was
black with clouds and wind,

and there was a great rain…”

 

WITH PASSIONS ALIKE
 
Elijah was a great prophet in the time of Ahab, king of Israel. Elijah is identified at his first appearance (1 Kings 17:1) as “Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead.” The object of his ministry was to recover the people to the God they had forsaken. This account will explain the miraculous displays accompanying his testimony, by which the people were left without excuse. James describes him as similar to ourselves. He has a similar experience, has the same feelings and experiences similar fears.
 
Prayed earnestly: James proves the general proposition he had laid down, that the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, by a particular instance, that of Elijah. He was as if the one who carried the keys of heaven at his girdle. Elijah’s prayer could shut and open the heavens. The phrase “prayed earnestly” literally means he prays a prayer. It is telling because many of us appear to be praying but are not. As some preachers say, our prayers do not go beyond the ceiling of the church building.
 
Prayed efficaciously: James told the people that when Elijah prays, heaven gives rain, and the earth produces fruit. He who prays must be a righteous man, not honest in an absolute sense, but moral in a Gospel sense, not loving nor approving of any iniquity. The Lord will not hear my prayer if I regard iniquity in my heart (Ps 66:18). Further, the prayer itself must be a fervent, in-wrought prayer.
 
However, James shows that Elijah was the same as we are despite this answered prayer. Read 1 Kings 19:1-2, 4.
 
The prophet who victoriously wrought against the hundreds of prophets of Baal and Jezebel retreated with fear. This illustration shows that the power of efficacious prayer is not in man but in God, who ordains all things according to His decrees. Let us keep on trusting the Jehovah God, the same God in the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
 
THOUGHT: Do I see myself as a clean vessel for God’s use?

PRAYER: Father, strengthen Thy people to do Thy works.

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