From the Fire to the Whisper: Elijah’s Journey of Zeal

“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty,” the prophet Elijah proclaimed to God (1 Kings 19:10).

While Elijah towers tall as one of the most passionate of God’s greats, a man of courage, conviction, and commitment, the irony of his statement is contrasted with his now cowering in a cave.

Why?

To understand, we must know the background.

Israel had become evil under the reign of King Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel, who led the nation into idolatry. Elijah’s zeal for God’s calling led him to stand before them and boldly and courageously pronounce divine judgment with a devastating drought.

Three years later, when Ahab saw Elijah, he said accusingly, “Is that you, O Troubler of Israel?”

Elijah shot back and said, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have.” And they had. Idol worship was prominent. Especially Baal. And Asherah. And with it came immorality. Pagan practices. And heathen habits.

Elijah first confronted and questioned the Israelites, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”

Then the Prophet challenged the 450 prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. They would each sacrifice a bull. Cut it up. Place it and the wood on the altar. But have no fire. Then they would each pray to their god to light the fire on the altar.

The prophets of Baal accepted the challenge. They prepared the altar and began to pray. They cried to Baal from morning to noon. But there was no response. Elijah mocked them, saying, “Baal was meditating. Or busy. Or on a journey. Or asleep.” But as they cried louder and even cut themselves, there was no answer.

Elijah then repaired the altar of the Lord. Prepared the sacrifice. Then he built a trench around it large enough to hold about 5 gallons of seed. Then he told the people to fill four water pots to pour on the altar, the wood, and the sacrifice. He had them do this three times.

Then Elijah earnestly prayed:

“Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again” (I Kings 18:36-37).

God answered the prayer by sending fire from heaven and consuming the sacrifice. The wood. The stones. And even lapped up the water! Elijah proclaimed victory. And the false prophets of Baal were executed.

Note that Elijah’s zeal exalted and glorified God, not him. Furthermore, his passion for the Lord outweighed his fear of man, even the King of Israel. Yet, even at the height of his zeal, he faced a moment of weakness.

As a result, Jezebel put out a contract on his life. And Elijah ran. We now find him some 200 miles away, when God says, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

His response?

“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 words reveal frustration, discouragement, and depression. They were also an exaggeration, showing a hint of pride and self-pity. He wasn’t alone. There were 7,000 Israelites who had not bowed their knees to Baal.

Furthermore, it’s interesting how God dealt with Elijah, not with a harsh rebuke, but with tenderness and mercy. He provided food, water, and rest. Then again, He demonstrated His power. But not in a dramatic fashion of flaming fire, fierce wind, or a strong earthquake, but in a gentle whisper.

God then reminded Elijah that his work was not finished and redirected his ministry and mission.

Elijah’s faith, courage, and passion serve as a great example as we face the idols of our day–pleasure, possessions, power, and prestige. We must stand opposed to worldliness, sensuality, and immorality, passionately pointing people to God and His standard of righteousness.

However, even the most passionate preacher, dedicated pastor, and faithful Christian can become discouraged. Our emotional tank can run dry. That’s when we need to stop, refuel, rekindle, and lean on the Lord to revive and reenergize us. Furthermore, as one writer expressed it, “{Our} zeal must be tempered with humility and sustained by grace. Without these, it can burn out or turn bitter.”

Today, we need more Elijahs, as Leonard Ravenhill once said, “The Elijahs of God will challenge both the sins of the world and the apathy of the Church. Their message will burn because their hearts are aflame.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman