JULY 30, 2 Kings 1:1-8

The Bible did not tell us much about Elijah’s background except that he was a Tishbite. He came from an unknown mountain in Gilead. Only now were we told a little of his appearance. “He was a hairy man, girt with a girdle of leather about his loins.”

Elijah could have come from an unknown or lowly background but look at all the powerful deeds God led him to do! He stood before King Ahab and pronounced God’s punishment of a drought because of idolatry. He stood against hundreds of Baal’s and Jezebel’s prophets at Mt. Carmel, calling down fire to consume his evening sacrifice to the Lord. God sent him to anoint kings and even to bring a message of death to King Ahaziah. Elijah twice called down fire from heaven to consume captains and their fifty men. No wonder he is sometimes called “The Prophet of Fire”!

Do you sometimes feel that you are too small to do anything great for God? Think of Elijah. Also remember how faithful and obedient to God he was and how fervently he prayed.

Here is a picture of Gilead. Do you expect a great prophet to come from such a place. How will you describe this place?

Thought: God can use even me when I trust and obey Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have the power to make great servants out of normal men. I pray I may be used for You in service – to be a good servant for You. This I can do in helping others, being kind to others, and perhaps to help my Junior Worship teacher do something practical in class. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.