Date: 01-July-2024
Name: Lakers Komaiya
Topic: HALF TIME
Content:
Half-time in Sports
*1 Kings 19*
Half-time: a period of rest and regrouping that leads to renewal, reflection, or a significant change.
*The Errors of Elijah*
Elijah, one of the most notable prophets in the Old Testament, experiences his own "half-time" in 1 Kings 19. After a tremendous victory on Mount Carmel, where God demonstrated His power over the prophets of Baal, Elijah is threatened by Queen Jezebel and falls into fear and despair.
1. *Verse 3* - “…when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life…”
- Elijah embraced fear, letting it override his faith. Instead of standing firm in the assurance of God's protection, he fled.
2. *Verse 3* - “…left his servant there.”
By abandoning his servant, Elijah isolates himself, failing to utilize his support network. In moments of crisis, isolation often exacerbates feelings of despair.
3. *Verse 3* - “…he prayed that he might die…”
Elijah's prayer for death shows a deep lack of confidence in God. He succumbs to hopelessness, forgetting God's recent powerful acts.
Verse 4 - “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”
Elijah's declaration reflects his overwhelmed state and his negative assessment of his situation. According to Luke 6:45, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Elijah's heart is filled with despair, and he verbalizes this, forgetting that the heavens are listening.
*During Half-Time*
In this period of despair, Elijah experiences a "half-time" moment—a period of rest and regrouping that leads to renewal, reflection, or a significant change.
1. *Divine touch and ministration*
*Verse 5* - “…suddenly an angel touched him…”
- God sends an angel to provide a physical touch of reassurance and comfort. This divine intervention signifies God's continued presence and care.
2. *Spiritual nourishment*
*Verse 5* - “….Arise and eat…”
- The angel provides food and water, essential for Elijah's physical and spiritual restoration. God nourishes him to prepare for the journey ahead.
3. Divine strength
*Verse 8* - “…he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights…”
- The sustenance provided by the angel gives Elijah the strength to travel to Horeb, the mountain of God. This journey signifies a renewal of purpose and direction.
Specific instruction and guidance
Verse 8 - “…as far as Horeb, the mountain of God.” (Remember Moses at Horeb)
- Horeb, the mountain where Moses encountered God, symbolises a place of divine revelation and renewal. God directs Elijah there for a significant encounter.
*Prayer*:
Father, I approach Your throne of grace today. I exchange my labor and heavy burden of fear, isolation, lack of confidence, and trust in You for Your rest.
*The Error of Elijah* Part II
Despite the divine intervention, Elijah makes further errors during his "half-time."
*Verse 9*
1. Rather than ascend the mountain of God, he proceeded to hide in a cave. This signifies disobedience due to a total lack of confidence in God. Instead of seeking a deeper encounter with God, Elijah retreats into a place of safety and isolation.
2. Rather than utilise the strength of God to commune, he retired to sleep more. Elijah's continued focus on physical rest shows a reluctance to engage with God spiritually.
3. Despite Elijah’s disposition to God, the word of the Lord still came to him. God remains patient and persistent, reaching out to Elijah in his place of hiding.
4. God proceeded to get Elijah’s attention by saying to him TWICE, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He was in the wrong location. God’s repeated question underscores Elijah's misalignment with God’s purpose and location.
*Verse 10*
1. Elijah provided his excuses TWICE:
- “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword.”
- “I alone am left, and they seek to take my life.”
Elijah's repeated excuses reveal his persistent focus on his perceived failures and isolation, rather than on God's power and provision.
*Verse 11* - “…Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.”
- God attempts to redirect and reassure Elijah, instructing him to stand in His presence for further revelation.
*Verse 13*
After God communed with Elijah through a still small voice, Elijah returned and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then God asked Elijah, the second time, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Even after a profound encounter with God, Elijah remains hesitant, and God again challenges his location and mindset.
*Verse 15*
God initiated the judgment of Israel and the retirement of Elijah:
“Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also, you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place.”
- God provides clear instructions for the future leadership of Israel and the succession of Elijah's prophetic ministry. This marks the end of Elijah's direct prophetic mission and the beginning of Elisha's role.
*Prayer*:
Father, as I wait on You, I ask that You renew my strength. I receive the grace to mount up with wings as eagles so I can run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.
Prayer Points:
*Prayer*:
Father, as I wait on You, I ask that You renew my strength. I receive the grace to mount up with wings as eagles so I can run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.
