S2 Ep2157: "A New Thing” - Elijah | 14Jan24 | Malcolm Cox

Elijah, 1 Kings 19Introduction““Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)Elijah - insight from God doing new thingsBackgroundElijah the miracle-worker (rare)God’s people in a bad way - Ahab/JezebelOn the run1. Elijah’s PastA. CourageTo confront: Scary situation“While Jezebel was killing off the LORD’S prophets,” (1 Kings 18:4 NIV11)“Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel?” “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the LORD’S commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”” (1 Kings 18:16-19 NIV11-)“Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. (1 Kings 18:38 NIV1)Confrontation on Carmel To obey — when looked humanly impossibleNo rain When alone - no churchWhat gives us the courage to act when ‘alone’?We are never ‘alone’ - Jesus is with us“remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:20 NRSV)B. ConfirmationGod with him People repent - revival -“The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!””(1 Kings 18:39 NIV11-GK)2. Elijah’s Present A. Fearful (Anxious)Jezebel’s threat““May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.” (1 Kings 19:2-3 NIV11-GK)B. ForgetfulWilderness and Cave - reference“I have had enough, LORD….Take my life…” (1 Ki 19:4)“I have been…the Israelites…I am the only one…” 1 King 19.10, 14What can we do when paralysed by fear, regret, blame, shame, recrimination?Go back to God and his promisesC. Perfect placeFor God to do his work3. Elijah’s FutureGod’s tenderness, patience, kindness - vv5-8God asking questions, listening, creating experiences of his power for Elijah, speaking to Elijah, directing him - vv9-15“Work with my people”A. FocusWhen our eyes are on anything other than Jesus we damage our focusWhat shifts your focus from Jesus?We become more like whatever has our attentionFocus is how we engage with GodB. OpennessOpenness is the way we open the door to God transforming usFaith is staying open to GodTaking time to listenCreate marginWhat is God up to?In life, family, etc.Keep asking the questionOpenness is how God engages with usFocus on Jesus and all your fears melt awayDiscipleship ‘A disciple is a person who has decided that the most important thing in her life is to learn how to do what Jesus said to do. . . . Disciples simply are people who are constantly revising their affairs to carry through on their decision to follow Jesus.’  DALLAS WILLARDConclusion“Embrace the stillness of January; find peace in the calm before the storm of the year unfolds.”Stay focussed on Jesus - no matter what happens this yearSay open to God doing something new in your life and in this churchPlease add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/). Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review. “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11) God bless, Malcolm